HOUSTON -- The number of students enrolled in the Summer Reading Program at the Houston Public Library has more than tripled since last year, KPRC Local 2, Your Education Station, reported Wednesday.

"Last year, we had 20,000 kids and teens register for the program. As of mid-July, we had more than 60,000," said Sandra Fernandez with the Houston Public Library.

The Summer Reading Program is incentive-based for kids and teen and encourages them to read 10 books in two months.

"Studies show that children who read during the summer retain more of what they learned in the previous school year and are better prepared to start the next school year," said Fernandez.

Children of all ages were seen reading and being read to at the Looscan Library in southwest Houston.

"We read to them every night," said grandmother Kathy Smyth.

Smyth was at the library with her 3-year-old granddaughters who also attended a storytelling by a Cowboy Poet.

"We hope to spark their imaginations so that they'll go down and read books, you know. A kid that can read well is going to have a good future if they keep on working at it," said Cowboy Poet, Scott Hill Bumgardner.

Bumgardner took the audience on an adventure with his poetry and stories, engaging children's minds and imagination.

"Using your imagination opens all kinds of doors," said Bumgardner.

The summer reading program runs through Aug. 1.