Jun 5th 2026
Summer is here, and we’re rounding up readers across Texas and beyond! We’re thrilled to announce our participation in the Reading Rodeo Summer Reading Program, a community-wide initiative running from May 20th through the end of summer. This program is all about celebrating the joy of reading — and rewarding young readers with something extra special.
What Is the Reading Rodeo?
The Reading Rodeo is a community-based summer reading partnership between Cotton Patch Cafe and local public libraries. The goal is simple: encourage children to keep reading throughout the summer months, stay connected to their libraries, and give families even more reasons to create lasting memories together.
We know summer can pull kids away from books, but research consistently shows that reading over the summer helps children maintain and build on the skills they’ve worked so hard to develop during the school year. That’s why we wanted to be part of the solution — and make it a little more delicious along the way.
Here’s How It Works
When a child completes their library’s summer reading goals, they’ll receive a Certificate of Achievement from their participating library. That certificate is their golden ticket to a free reward at their local Cotton Patch Cafe!
Bring the certificate into any participating location and redeem it for:
- One free kids’ meal
- One scoop of ice cream
It’s our way of saying: we see you, young reader. Now come celebrate with us.
Participating Libraries
We’re proud to have partnered with libraries in communities large and small across Texas and New Mexico. Whether you’re in a big city or a smaller town, there’s likely a Cotton Patch Cafe near you ready to cheer on your reader.
We’re proud to partner with libraries across Texas and New Mexico to bring the Reading Rodeo to as many young readers as possible. From the Abilene Public Library and Arlington Public Library in the north to the Kurth Memorial Library in Lufkin and the Barbara Bush Branch Library in Spring, communities large and small are joining in the fun. Families in the DFW Metroplex will find participating libraries throughout the area, including the Emily Fowler Central Library, Willis Library, and multiple branch locations in Denton, the Grapevine Public Library, Mansfield Public Library, North Richland Hills Library, Lewisville Library, and the Traphene Hickman Library, DeSoto Public Library, and Duncanville Public Library serving the Cedar Hill area. Out west, readers in Lubbock can visit the Groves Branch, City of Wolfforth Library, or Godeke Library, while Midland’s Centennial Library and the Hobbs Public Library in New Mexico are also on board. College towns are well represented too, with the Larry J. Ringer Library in College Station, Round Rock Library, Georgetown Public Library, and the W. Walworth Harrison Public Library in Greenville all participating. Readers in East Texas can head to the Longview Public Library, Tyler Public Library, Rusk County Library in Henderson, or the Nacogdoches Library, while Central Texas families can celebrate at the Temple Public Library, the West Waco Library & Genealogy Center, Waco-McLennan County Central Library, or the Nicholas P. Sims Library in Waxahachie. This is just a snapshot — with over 45 locations participating from Plainview to Palestine and Weatherford to Wylie, there’s a great chance your neighborhood library is already part of the rodeo.
Why Cotton Patch Cafe Is All In
At Cotton Patch Cafe, family is at the heart of everything we do. From our home-style cooking to the warm atmosphere in every one of our dining rooms, we’ve always believed that great meals and great company go hand in hand. Partnering with local libraries felt like a natural fit — because libraries, like Cotton Patch, are community gathering places where people come together.
We want to support the families in our communities, encourage a love of reading in the next generation, and give moms, dads, grandparents, and kids a reason to come sit down together and enjoy a meal. There’s something really special about watching a child walk in proud of what they’ve accomplished — and we can’t wait to be part of that moment all summer long.
Ready to Ride?
If your child is enrolled in a summer reading program at one of the libraries listed above, make sure they’re working toward that Certificate of Achievement. Once they’ve hit their reading goal, grab that certificate and head to your nearest Cotton Patch Cafe for a well-deserved celebration.
Not sure if your library is participating? Check with your local branch — and keep an eye on this page as we continue adding partners throughout the summer.
Here’s to a summer full of great stories, great food, and great memories. Happy reading, y’all!
The Reading Rodeo Summer Reading Program begins May 20th and runs through the end of summer. Certificates must be redeemed at participating Cotton Patch Cafe locations. One certificate per child. See your local restaurant for details.