Summer Reading for Kids

How to Participate in Summer Reading 2017:

  • The Summer Reading Program for Children is free and open to kids from 3 years old to 4th grade. This program is a fun way to engage children in reading while they are home for the summer. It provides families the opportunity to discover great books and get credit for the books they read alone or together. Click here for Summer Reading programs for Tweens and Teens. Click here for Summer Reading programs for adults.
  • Starting June 21st, you may register your child for summer reading by filling out the registration form in the Children’s Room. When you register your child, you will receive a summer calendar, as well as a listing of summer events
  • For every day that your child reads, or is read to, for at least 15 minutes, place a check mark on that day on the calendar
  • Once your child has read for 10 days (they do not have to be consecutive days), they are eligible to come into the library and choose a book to donate to our Children’s Room collection under their name. Staff will add the child’s name to a book plate at the beginning of the book.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to come to the library every week?
While most families do seem to have a regularly scheduled day for visiting the library, weekly participation is not required.  We recommend doing whatever is best for your family.

We missed registration week, are we out of luck?
Not at all! You can register and pick up your packet through the end of July.

My child is in school, but he’s not reading well yet.  Can he participate?
This program is a great motivator for children who are emerging readers!  You can choose your child’s reading materials based on their individual needs and reading level.  You may choose to read books to your child, to have your child read books to you, or to switch off who reads which book.

Summer Reading Programs for Kids:

All Ages Summer Reading 2017 Kickoff!
Wednesday 6/21, 1:30-2:30pm
Balfour Riverwalk Park 

Perfect for all ages, Summer Reading 2017 kicks off on Friday, June 21st, from 1:30pm-2:30pm at the Balfour Riverwalk Park. This is a fun, FREE event on the afternoon of the last day of school! Sign up for the Summer Reading Program, enjoy games, activities, door prizes, a giant puzzle, and a parade for everyone to participate in. The Summer Reading Kickoff is brought to you by the Attleboro Public Library and our partners: the Attleboro Public Schools, the Attleboro YMCA, the Attleboro Recreation Department and the Attleboro Parks Department. No registration is required, just show up for all the fun!

Lego Club (grades 1-6)
Mondays 6/5, 7/3, 8/7,  5:00-6:00pm
Attleboro Public Library
We meet once a month during most months to build, create, meet new friends and have fun. No need to sign-up, just drop-in any time during this program!

Tail Waggin’ Tutors (readers up to age 14)
Tuesdays 6/27-8/15,  9:00-10:00am
Attleboro Public Library
Children of all ages are invited to make an appointment to read to a certified therapy dog. Beginner readers are welcome, but all participants MUST be able to read. *Registration is required by clicking here

Reading Buddies (all ages)
Tuesdays 6/27-8/8,  10:30am
Attleboro Public Library
We pair up older kids & younger kids for a special 1-on-1 or small group reading time. *Registration is required by clicking here

Crafts and Activities – Kindness Rocks Project (grades 1-4)
Monday 6/26, 1:30pm
Attleboro Public Library
This summer, the APL will become a participant in the “Kindness Rocks Project” and we want you to join us! The purpose of the Project is to inspire kindness in others through randomly placed rocks.  All you need is a rock about the size of your hand and the willingness to spread kindness. *Registration is required by clicking here

Parent/Child Book Group (grades 2-4 and an adult)
Mondays 6/26, 7/31, 8/28, 7:00pm
Attleboro Public Library
Great books, fun discussion and snacks! Each month is a different book and you can pick up a copy of the books in the APL Children’s Room. *Registration is required for each session
Click Here to register for the 6/26 meeting
Click Here to register for the 7/31 meeting
Click Here to register for the 8/28 meeting

Crafts and Activities – Patriotic Crafts (grades 1-4)
Monday 7/3, 1:30pm
Attleboro Public Library
Join Mrs. Brown at the Attleboro Public Library for some fun patriotic crafts! *Registration is required by clicking here

Stories with your Principal (grades K-4)
Wednesdays 7/12, 7/19, 10:00am
Attleboro Public Library
Every Wednesday morning in July we will have a public elementary school principal in the Children’s Room to visit with students & read stories. No need to register, just drop in!
7/12:  Mr. Cateon–Willett
7/19: Mr. Rich–Hill Roberts

Lunch Bunch (ages 3-5 years)
Wednesdays 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9, 11:30am-1:00pm
Attleboro Public Library
Stories and crafts for kids in preschool and kindergarten. The Monday PJ and Wednesday Lunch Bunch story times follow the same activity schedule. No need to register, just drop in!

PJ Story Time (ages 3-5 years)
Monday 7/3 7/17, 7/31, 6:00pm
Attleboro Public Library
Stories and crafts for kids in preschool and kindergarten.  The Monday PJ and Wednesday Lunch Bunch story times follow the same activity schedule. No need to register, just drop in!

Music Together (ages birth-5 years)
Fridays 7/7, 7/21, 8/4, 10:30am
Attleboro Public Library
For children ages birth-5 years and their adult.  Music Together classes are based on the recognition that all children are musical. All children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate with confidence in the music of our culture, provided that their early environment supports such learning. *Registration is required for EACH session.
Click here to register for the 7/7 session
Click here to register for the 7/21 session
Click here to register for the 8/4 session

Bugology (grades 1-4)
Monday 7/10, 1:30pm
Attleboro Public Library
Join us for this hands-on, interactive experience designed to introduce the unique universe of bugs!  In this program, kids will learn new ways to observe, understand and appreciate invertebrates. *Registration is required by clicking here

Play-Dough Club (ages birth-5 years with an adult)
Mondays 7/10, 7/24, 6:00pm
Attleboro Public Library
Playdough is a favorite activity among children of all ages, and is a great fine motor practice and engages using the muscles in the hand. We will be using both traditional playdough, and homemade edible gluten free no cook playdough that is safe for children under 2 years of age. No need to register, just drop in!

Attleboro Area Interfaith Collaborative Kids Summer Cafe
Starting July 11, 12:00pm-1:00pm
Various locations
Visit Children’s Librarian, Mrs. Brown, and APL On The Go at the following Kids Summer Cafe dates:
July 11 & August 8  12:00-1:00  Briggs playground
July 13 & August 10 12:00-1:00  Finberg School
July 14 & August 11 12:00-1:00  Nickerson playground

YMCA Family Ropes Course Challenge (all ages)
Wednesday 7/12, 5:30pm-6:30pm
Attleboro YMCA Norton Outdoor Center (295 West Main Street, Norton)
A YMCA Membership is not required for this event! For more information, contact the Attleboro YMCA Norton Outdoor Center at 508-222-7292.

Ed the Wizard (all ages)
Thursday 7/13, 2:00pm
Attleboro Public Library
Ed the Wizard and “Reading is Magic” will reappear at the Attleboro Public Library on Thursday 13 July at 2:00 p.m.  Be prepared to volunteer and have fun as you learn how Albus Dumbledore, from Harry Potter, was an inspiration and hero for Ed the Wizard.  This program is supported in part by a grant from the Attleboro Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency*Registration is required by clicking here

Story Time (ages birth-36 months)
Fridays 7/14, 7/28, 8/11, 10:30am
Attleboro Public Library
Songs, stories and playtime for babies & toddlers ages 0-36 months. *Registration is required for EACH session.
Click here to register for the 7/14 session
Click here to register for the 7/28 session
Click here to register for the 8/11 session

Pinto Bella Hula Hoops (grades 1-4)
Saturday 7/17, 1:30pm
Attleboro Public Library
Pinto Bella is bringing her hoops to teach us how to care for our bodies through hoop dance and how to care for our earth by using up-cycled materials to build your own hula hoop!  Come see a performance and stick around to try hula hooping yourself! *Registration is required by clicking here

David Bates – Award-winning Singer and Storyteller (all ages)
Thursday 7/20, 2:00pm
Attleboro Public Library
The Attleboro Public Library will celebrate its summer reading program by presenting award-winning singer and storyteller Davis Bates in a performance of participatory of songs and stories for the whole family.  Entitled Under One Sky: Songs & Stories to Build a Better World, the program will include traditional and contemporary folk songs and stories from New England and around the world. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Attleboro Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency*Registration is required by clicking here

Let Your Yoga Dance! (grades 1-4)
Monday 7/24, 1:30pm
Attleboro Public Library
A little yoga, a lot of dancing, and a ton of fun! Explore your energy centers through guided movement and cool music. Come as you are, no dance or yoga experience necessary! *Registration is required by clicking here

Life Stages of Frogs and Butterflies with Oak Knoll
Thursday 7/27, 2:00pm
Attleboro Public Library
Students will explore the life cycles of frogs and butterflies while exploring the adaptations that make them unique. Students will also learn about their important role in the environment. Through live animal presentations (depending on availability) and examples of animal artifacts students with get an up close view of the natural world around them. *Registration is required by clicking here

Life of a Beekeeper (grades 1-4)
Monday 7/31, 1:30pm
Attleboro Public Library
Join Lisa Nason, local beekeeper, in exploring inside a Honey Bee Hive.  There will be a demonstration with Beekeeping equipment, a real hive and a honey tasting.  This program is geared toward children entering grades 1-4, but family members are welcome to attend. *Registration is required by clicking here

Archery (grades 1-4)
Monday 8/7, 1:30pm
Attleboro Public Library
The staff of X-Spot Archery will explain the techniques of archery and let participants try their hand at shooting. *Registration is required by clicking here

Family Swim and S’mores Night (all ages)
Tuesday 8/8, 5:00pm-7:00pm (campfire and s’mores at 6:00pm)
Attleboro YMCA Norton Outdoor Center (295 West Main Street, Norton)
A YMCA Membership is not required for this event! For more information, contact the Attleboro YMCA Norton Outdoor Center at 508-222-7292.