Summer Reading at New York Libraries is an annual program that encourages children and families to visit public libraries for reading and engaging activities. In 2023, a total of 1,877 participants registered at our member libraries across Clinton, Essex, and Franklin counties. These participants collectively spent 233,477 minutes immersed in reading and recorded a total of 2,851 books read. The libraries hosted approximately 416 summer programs, with a combined total of 5,806 participants.

In preparation for this year’s Summer Reading program, we organized two full-day workshops featuring presentations and hands-on craft activities centered around the theme ‘Adventure Begins at Your Library.’ Some of the interactive activities included creating magnetic compasses, experimenting with cyanotype paper to make sun prints, and painting story stones as part of a group storytelling activity.

As part of our workshop, we collaborated with Environmental Educator Kristin Collins from Point Au Roche State Park, who delivered a presentation on ‘Adventures in Birding.’ We also had the opportunity to hear from Charity Lazore, Lead Library Clerk at the Akwesasne Library and Cultural Center, who discussed shifting the approach to storytime hour to better serve patrons. David Fuller from CEF gave attendees a hands – on demonstration of our virtual reality headsets. Additionally, Karen Glass, director of the Keene Valley Library, offered an immersive two-hour interactive storytelling session.

Our member libraries are planning some amazing things this year. You and your children are invited to join your library’s Summer Reading program and attend the fun events they are planning for children of all ages. The public libraries care about your children and have planned programs to keep them reading and learning all summer. Children who join the Summer Reading program keep their minds active and enter school in the fall ready to learn and ready to succeed.

And remember, you are your child’s first teacher. Look at picture books with your younger children and point out people, animals, and objects in the pictures. Read to your children and ask them to read to you. Your librarian will be happy to help you find books that are just right. Together, you can discover the treasures of your library.

For more information, visit Summer Reading at New York Libraries – New York’s site that contains a ton of summer reading-related materials including reading lists for various age groups.