Kathleen Bryant has a passion for reading and literacy.
So on Saturday, the Arlington woman laced up sneakers and joined other runners for the Book It for Literacy, a 5K and one-mile fun run through River Legacy Park.
"Education and literacy are so vital to a community," Bryant said. "I knew I had to be here to support these programs that do so much incredible work."
The 4th annual race sought to build awareness and support for Arlington Reads, the Arlington Public Library's literacy program, said Yoko Matsumoto, library services manager.
Arlington Reads offers programs such as adult GED and English as a Second Language, school readiness programs beginning at birth through pre-school, math and science camps, family literacy workshops and more.
About 250 runners, a record number, signed up for this year's race. Many jogged the shaded course, while others walked with dogs or pushed strollers. Some even dressed in book-centric themes, with pages of books glued to their shirts or shorts.
Last year, the race raised about $3,000, and race organizers said they expected this year's to raise the same or slightly more.
Runners said they did not mind braving the soaring temperatures for a worthy cause.
According to the Tarrant Literacy Coalition, low literacy rates contribute to lost income and tax revenue, higher rates of unemployment and crime, rising health care costs and increased training costs for businesses.
Approximately one in five adults in Tarrant County cannot read well enough to succeed at a fourth grade level, the coalition says.
"Literacy is one of the foundations of a community," Matsumoto said. "This is one of the many ways our library supports education in Arlington."
To provide services, Arlington Reads relies on volunteers, many of whom like Bryant turned out for the race.
Bryant began volunteering at Literacy House - which provides one-on-one tutoring, ESL classes and more in a warm, friendly atmosphere - about a year ago. Immediately, she fell in love.
"This program is magical," she said. "It is such a tight, close community."
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