Come on a summer adventure with the National Library Service/NLS! The national Summer Reading Program for Talking Book and Braille Library patrons, runs from June 24 to August 9, 2024. The program is a celebration of reading, learning, and fun for all ages. This year, there are three scheduled online events and additional activities that readers can enjoy at their own pace.
If you are not a patron, find out how to apply for NLS service.
To find out more information about NLS Summer Reading’s partnership with the Talking Book and Braille Library, please visit the Great Partners page.
Highlights
The Summer Reading Program hosts story times, an author talk, activities, music, and more! Here's the lineup. (All events will be held online via Zoom, sign up at the NLS website. Age suggestions are listed for each program, but every program is open to all!)
Virtual events
Kickoff event (all ages): Monday, June 24, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time
NLS Director Jason Broughton will kick off this year’s summer reading program with a warm welcome and Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden will delight young readers with a picture book reading of The Adventures of Marshmallow and Peter (DBC30393) by Peter Heath.
Story time and music by Turtle Dance Music (K-3rd grade): Thursday, July 18, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time
The Turtle Dance Music Man, Matt Mazur, is back! Matt will lead us in singing and dancing and treat our young readers to a reading of Saturday (BR23018, DB98170) by Oge Mora.
Author Talk: Angeline Boulley with Andrea L. Rogers (YA and Adult): Thursday, July 25, 7:00 p.m. Eastern time
New York Times bestselling author Angeline Boulley will discuss her books Firekeeper’s Daughter (BR24040, DB102762) and Warrior Girl Unearthed (DB114761) in conversation with the moderator, the award-winning author Andrea L. Rogers. The recording of this event will be available for two weeks following the talk.
Online activities
Online activities will also be available for participants including Choose Your Reading Adventure, the Whispering Library Escape Room, and more. Stay tuned!
Summer Reading is officially here!
On June 18th, the Albany Public Library Howe Branch hosted a special Juneteenth-themed story time event to celebrate this important holiday and help kick off Adventure Begins at Your Library and the Summer Reading at New York Libraries Program. Summer Reading programs happen at approximately 1,100 libraries and branches across New York state and promote learning and literacy for students of all ages during the summer months.
At this event, State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa engaged with an excited audience of pre-K students through Juneteenth-related books and stories, songs, and dancing. Along with story time, Commissioner Rosa and other presenters delivered brief remarks about the importance of the Summer Reading Program and encouraging students to explore and engage over the summer. Summer Reading programs can positively impact literacy and are a wonderful way for public libraries to collaborate with schools and school districts to benefit students in many ways.
To learn more about how you can engage in the Summer Reading Program, please reach out to your local public library and visit the Summer Reading at New York Libraries Program website.