Firefly sightings, eating outdoors and trips to the bent spoon or Thomas Sweet mark the beginning of summer in Princeton. Perhaps the quintessential summer passage at the library is the beginning of our Summer Reading program for all ages. This year’s theme, “Color Our World,” challenges readers to broaden their experience through the power of books.
Beginning June 15, adults are encouraged to register to receive a scorecard at the Welcome, Information or Youth Services desk. Read any three books from three different genres in a row (across, down or diagonally) and return the log by Aug. 15 to be entered into a grand prize drawing. This year’s prizes include an Individual Plus Annual Pass for Grounds for Sculpture; a $75 gift card to a Princeton restaurant of your choice; and a $50 gift card to Labyrinth Books.
For those looking for title suggestions, our staff has created lists for each genre represented on the scorecard, including historical fiction, mystery, books in translation, graphic novels, nonfiction, romance, horror and science fiction. And, if that’s not enough, we have PPL BookMatch, a personalized book list service for all ages.
Our programs for those under 18 are tailored to infants and preschoolers, kids (rising kindergarten through 5th grade), and teens (rising 6th through 12th graders). Teens and kids take a 20-day reading challenge (in a row or not) to complete their log, while preschool participants are required to do 15 of 20 early literacy activities. Kids and teens may either register through Beanstack, an online tracking system, or pick up a paper log from the third floor Information Desk. The Youth Services team has put together an extensive list of book suggestions, which may be found on our Summer Reading page.
While adults were invited to a Publishers Book Buzz on June 5 as part of a summer reading preview, the official kickoff celebration happens on Sunday, June 15, with an interactive music and literacy show at 2 p.m. by Philadelphia-based duo Ants on a Log, followed by a Summer Reading Kick-off Party for kids and adults at 3 p.m. on Hinds Plaza.
Keep an eye on our events calendar for more summer programs, including our afternoon movie series for adults. We’re looking forward to seeing you at the library.