Summer Reading 2021



Summer Reading 2021: June 21 – August 13
This summer, the Attleboro Public Library will go online where you can log your reading, register for programs, and participate in exciting activities. Let Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Witherell help you out by watching this introductory video they created!

We will hold both virtual programming and outdoor events in Balfour Riverwalk Park! All programs are free, and all require registration, so please visit the Events tab on this site for more information on how to do so. 

School Summer Reading Lists 2021

Here are the 2021 summer reading lists for Attleboro-area schools.
NOTE: We will update with links as we receive the lists from various schools.

Attleboro Public Schools (Entering grades 1 and 2; entering grades 3 and 4; middle school; and high school)
Foxboro Regional Charter School (grades 9-12)
St. John the Evangelist School
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School

Track Summer Reading Online at READsquared!

APL is using the free online program READsquared for registration to the 2021 Summer Reading Program and the First Lady & Blades Summer Reading Challenge. READsquared can be used on any computer or device; a free app is available. When you sign up, you will be able to log and track your reading, and have access to title suggestions, fun mini-games, and peer book reviews. Participants ages 3-17 years will track their reading by time: 1 minute = 1 point.

Any participant who reaches 100 points will automatically be entered into a drawing. If a participant reaches 1,000 points, they will be entered to win the grand prize for their age group. There will be six prizes for children ages 3 years-Kindergarten; six prizes for kids entering grades 1-4; 12 prizes for kids entering grades 5-12; and 1 grand prize for each age group. Sign up for READSquared HERE!

First Lady of the Commonwealth & Blades Summer Reading Challenge

Attleboro is taking part in the free “First Lady of the Commonwealth & Blades Summer Reading Challenge.” From July 1 through August 16, our community goal is to read for 6,000 minutes (i.e., 100 hours). Once our city reaches 6,000 minutes, the APL is entered into a drawing for Boston Bruins signed memorabilia, including jerseys and pucks. If the APL is chosen, everyone who helped us reach our 6,000-minute goal is eligible for an entry to win one of these great prizes! Sign up for this exciting challenge on READSquared HERE!

Programs

Below is a sampling of our programs this summer, while here is a list of all of our scheduled programs. Please visit the library’s Events calendar to register for any and all programming!

Weekly Science Experiments and Take & Make Crafts!

Each Monday, we will post a 15-Minute Science Experiment and Take & Make Craft for youth of all ages (3-18). Most materials will be provided by the Library, but some materials from home may also be needed. Registration for materials is required for each take home experiment/craft; limited quantities are available. Please visit our Events calendar for craft descriptions, available dates, and how to reserve your materials. If you missed a week of experiments and crafts, please visit this page to access the instructions and tutorials.

Self-directed BINGO!

Below are two activity-rich BINGO cards to encourage youth and families to use library resources and get outside this summer! Youth who complete one, or both, of these BINGO cards may turn them in at the library by Friday, August 13, 2021, for extra entries into the Summer Reading grand prize drawing! Print the BINGO cards at home, or pick up a copy when you pick up some books from the library this summer.

Virtual Programs! In-Person Programming in the Park!

We will host both virtual programs (e.g., Family Game Nights, Teen/Tween Book Tasting) and in-person, outdoor programming (e.g., Weekly Storytime with Mrs. Brown, Charades in the Park) in Balfour Riverwalk Park. For the latter, we encourage everyone who participates in our outdoor programming wears a mask. Outdoor programming will be on a weather-permitting basis. Families are encouraged to call the Library the day of the program to check if the program will be held. Please visit the online Events calendar in order to register for programming.

Adult Summer Reading

We haven’t forgotten about you all! We have a number of opportunities to engage you with your reading efforts this summer.

Book Bingo
Challenge yourself with Book BINGO! Our bingo card has 24 reading prompts. Read any five categories in a row on the card to earn a BINGO. Remember: One book can always count for more than one square. Whenever you achieve BINGO, email our Reader Services Librarian Elise LaForge (elaforge@sailsinc.org) to claim your prize!

READSquared
For those who prefer to participate virtually: Not only will you be able to attend all our adult programs, but there will also be some fun summer reading activities in which to join on READSquared! Participating in any READSquared-based activity will get you entered into our grand prize drawing!

Virtual Programs
We have three virtual events planned, one in June, July, and August. Please visit the online Events calendar to register.
June 10: Doodle and Paint an Animal Portrait
July 8: The Art of Writing a Children’s Book
August 19: Behind the Scenes of Capron Park Zoo

The Importance of Summer Reading

“Summer reading provides students with an opportunity to explore self-­chosen topics while strengthening literacy skills. Whether it is a novel, magazine, or comic, continued practice prevents the ‘summer slide’ and sets the stage for a successful school year. Sharing and discussing books fosters a literate environment, and increases opportunities for authentic reading experiences. The Attleboro Public Schools strives to develop lifelong learners and readers.”

-David A. Sawyer, Superintendent, Attleboro Public Schools
-Laurie A. Regan, Assistant Superintendent, Attleboro Public Schools

Summer Reading @ the APL is sponsored by the Attleboro Public Library, the Friends of Attleboro Public Library, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services with support from the National Women’s Hockey League team Boston Pride.

Images are copyrighted. Contact the CSLP at (866) 657-8556 or contact@cslpreads.org for more information.