Summer Reading Program Past and Present

School will soon be out for summer vacation, and parents will be searching for fun and educational activities to keep their children busy during July and August. When I think back on my childhood summer vacations, I have very fond memories of going to the Washington Branch (now Robbinsville Branch) of the Mercer County Library System. My brother and I would always sign up for the annual Summer Reading Program. I would check out my books and could barely wait to get to the car before I would begin reading them. When we returned to the library, I loved sitting with Mrs. Greenberg, the Branch Manager, and telling her all about the stories that I had read. I still remember the summer that we got to choose an eraser during each week of the program. My favorite was a hot pink skateboard! Now, as the Youth Services Librarian at the Robbinsville Branch, I get to plan the Summer Reading Program and I love asking the children at my branch about all the wonderful books that they have read!

Charlotte's Web: SRP 1991

This year, we will kick off the Summer Reading Program “On Your Mark, Get Set… READ!” the week of June 20. Plan to visit the Library and enjoy a summer of reading, special events, and prizes (maybe even a pink skateboard eraser)! Listed below are a few events happening during registration week, but please check with your local branch for more registration information and for a full schedule of events.

Hightstown Branch:

• Special Pre-K Kick-Off – Monday, June 20 at 10:30 am
  Storyteller Mr. Malcolm performs his Greatest Hits. Children ages 3-8 will become part of the story as Mr. Malcolm regales us with classic and fun tales like “The Tortoise and the Hare” and “Frozen.” Online registration required beginning June 1.
• Kick-Off Event for School Aged Kids – Wednesday, June 22 at 7 pm
  Live animal show from Eyes of the Wild "Meet the Mammals." Children ages 4-12 can get up close and personal with some of Nature’s coolest mammals in this fun, comical, and educational program! Online registration required beginning June 1.

Hopewell Branch:

• Kick-Off Party - Wednesday, June 22 at 2 pm
  Sign up for the Summer Reading Program and enjoy game stations and a scavenger hunt.
  At 3 pm, join cartoonist and speaker Paul Merklein for “Read & Feed Your Imagination.” He will draw famous faces and show the audience how reading is food for your brain. The program combines cartoons, comedy and audience participation! Registration is not required.

Robbinsville Branch:

• Kick-Off Party – Thursday, June 23 from 9:30 am – 12 pm
  Come and join the fun! Register for the Summer Reading Program and enjoy the strolling magic of Matt Schick, along with crafts, games, and prizes. For children ages 2 and up. Registration is not required.

Twin Rivers Branch:

• Follow the Yellow Brick Road with Storyteller Mr. Malcolm - Thursday, June 23 at 4 pm
  Mr. Malcolm will weave the tale of the Wizard of Oz with audience participation. For children ages 3 – 12. Online registration is required.

Hickory Corner Branch:

• The Lizard Guys - Thursday, June 23 at 7 pm
  Suggested for ages 4 and up. Online registration is required.
• TotTunes+ - Friday, June 24 at 10:30 am
  Suggested for ages 0 to 5 years. Online registration is required.

Lawrence Branch:

• The Lizard Guys – Friday, June 24 at 11 am
  The Lizard Guys provide live animal presentations with lizards, snakes, turtles, frogs and various bugs. The audience is introduced to each animal one at a time by one of The Lizard Guys. They explain where the animal comes from, its normal diet, its life expectancy, and answer any other questions thrown their way. Silly Billy will be the presenter for this program. Younger siblings are permitted if closely supervised. Ages 5-11 years. Online registration is required.

Ewing Branch:

• Magic Show – Saturday, June 25 at 1 pm
  For children ages 2-9 with their caregivers. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Online registration is required.

-Michelle C