It’s no easy task to keep your kids reading regularly (or at all) once school is out for summer. While some kids are natural readers, others may need a little extra motivation to crack open a book during the break. So here’s a list of reading programs that offer up incentives for logging some serious summertime reading hours.
NYPL Summer Reading 2018 – Libraries host books clubs all summer long, and individual library branches each throw their own Summer Reading Kickoff Parties. Here’s the 2018 lineup for the Staten Island library branches:
Dongan Hills Library • June 12, 3:30pm
Born To Read! Library Rock! Born To Read is a Bruce Springsteen-like high energy performance about why libraries rock! The show engages children with songs, comedy, bubbles, music technology and is crafted to inclusive for children of all ages including children on the Autism Spectrum. The show is a great time for parents, teachers and caregivers to have fun at the same time. Presented by Turtle Dance Music.
Great Kills Library • June 21, 3:30pm
Our shows incorporate sing-a-longs, movement, imagination and dramatic play. All of the songs inspire immediate participation. The children will grow like trees, sing like birds and dance like robots. Filled with non-stop action and hip-shaking music, the children and families will be thrilled! Best for ages 0-8 years old with parent/caregiver. Presented by Preschool of Rock.
Huguenot Library • June 19, 3:30pm
Whole new set of games! Just as fun as the first one! Includes small prizes for all the kids who attend! For children of all ages. Presented by Pete and Chris.
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Mariner’s Harbor Library • June 28, 3:30pm
Whole new set of games! Just as fun as the first one! Includes small prizes for all the kids who attend! For children of all ages. Presented by Pete and Chris
New Dorp Library • June 28, 1pm
Music and Movement celebrating NYC history, parks, people, and, of course, Urban Cowpokes! Whimsical and musical, fun for children ages 0-8 with their parents and grandparents who will love the playful lyrics and “New Yorkified” adaptations of the classic cowboy songs of the silver screen. Hopalong Andrew adapts the classic cowboy songs to reflect life as an urban cowpoke. This program’s built-in activities to encourage participation and interaction, creating a fun and positive space to play, sing and rhythm training.
Port Richmond Library • June 28, 1pm
Come to the Port Richmond Library and join us for our Summer Reading Kick Off Celebration. Enjoy a Balloon Sculpture Giveaway, Children’s Craft, Face Painting, Music Challenge, Refreshments, & Raffle Giveaways 1 PM: Children’s Craft & Raffle Tickets 2 PM: Balloon Sculptures & Face Painting 3 PM: Music Challenge & PIZZA Party 4 PM: RAFFLE Giveaways!
Richmond Town Library • June 26, 3pm
Born To Read! Library Rock! Born To Read is a Bruce Springsteen-like high energy performance about why libraries rock! The show engages children with songs, comedy, bubbles, music technology and is crafted to inclusive for children of all ages including children on the Autism Spectrum. The show is a great time for parents, teachers and caregivers to have fun at the same time. Presented by Turtle Dance Music.
South Beach Library • June 15, 2:30pm
Encounter hawks, owls, falcons or other species up close as we explore the adaptations of these winged wonders and examine the mechanics behind bird flight! Touch raptor artifacts such as talons, skulls, and feathers. A lucky volunteer may even get to help with some of the demonstrations. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Limit to 25-75 participants only. Presented by New Canaan Nature Center.
St. George Library • June 26, 1pm
Get your dancing shoes on and get ready to celebrate summer with a fabulous Summer Dance Party featuring the limbo, freeze dance and so much more. Mr. Patrick will supply the music, the silly puppets and the Hawaiian leis; all you have to do is dance and be ready for some fabulous fun! Best for babies 0-10 years old with their parent/caregiver. Presented by Music with Patrick.
Stapleton Library • June 7, 10am-5pm
A full day of celebrations featuring: Preschool Storytime, The Dewey Decibels (Stapleton Library Band), Welcome Ceremony, Art Event, The Mighty String Demons Musical Performance, Author Event with Eric Velasquez, Bobaloo’s Music and Storytelling Performance, The Art of Beatboxing, Music & Jam Session with Caroline Cutroneo, The Music, Bubble, and Comedy Show: Born to Read! Libraries Rock, and The Amazing World of Animals.
Todt Hill/Westerleigh Library • June 12, 4pm
This Summer we’ll bring families on an out-of-this-world experience where we teach new vocabulary related to Jungle Animals, Body Parts, Making New Friends, Fruits, and Going to the Beach!!! The curriculum is fun and engaging for kids of all ages and their parents. All teachers are native Spanish speakers who play guitar, percussion, and use puppets to teach in the most engaging way! Live music is the best way to learn! Families get to bond through an intergenerational bubble dance party extravaganza at the end of each class. And it is so much more than just a language program!!! Bilingual Birdies celebrates Latin culture in a time that is very important to embrace diversity.
Tottenville Library • June 6, 4pm
Born To Read! Library Rock! Born To Read is a Bruce Springsteen-like high energy performance about why libraries rock! The show engages children with songs, comedy, bubbles, music technology and is crafted to inclusive for children of all ages including children on the Autism Spectrum. The show is a great time for parents, teachers and caregivers to have fun at the same time. Presented by Turtle Dance Music
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West New Brighton Library • June 18, 3:30pm
Whole new set of games! Just as fun as the first one! Includes small prizes for all the kids who attend! For children of all ages. Presented by Pete and Chris
Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead to confirm.
Click here for hours and locations of all Staten Island Library branches.
NYPL Build a Better World Through Reading Summer Reading Challenge – Kids can write a book review for a chance to see the Yankees, meet a player, and take a bow on the field at Yankee Stadium! Deadline July 31
Staten Island Borough President’s Summer Reading Challenge
Stay tuned for more info!
Total Fitness Challenge
Stay tuned for more info!
Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program – Kids fill out the Summer Reading Journal and earn a free book from Barnes and Noble Reading Journal List.
Scholastic A Magical Summer of Reading Summer Reading Challenge – Kids can read and log minutes all summer, unlock stories and earn rewards, enter to win free books, and help set a new reading world record.
Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards – Kids win 10 free tokens for filling out the reading rewards calendar at Chuck E. Cheese.
Sylvan Book Adventures – Kids can read books, take quizzes, and earn prizes for their reading success.
Reading Rewards – Parents can set up their own Reading Rewards program to get their kids reading. Kids read and log their minutes, and parents can decide the perfect reward for reading. The site offers up ideas for for rewards like a day out with mom or a movie with a friend.
