Dreams of traveling often begin when children are young and reading books about far off places and spaces. Summer time is the perfect opportunity for children of all ages to sit back and read books that keep their brains active during the warm months. Libraries throughout the Capital District and New York State are participating in the Dream Big READ program through the Summer Reading at New York Libraries.
Many of the library programs include story hours for younger children, craft making, special events, and a way to keep track of their summer reading logs in paper or online format. This summer, both of my boys will be participating and I know we will be heading to many of the items throughout the region. Last year, we had a blast going to at least a dozen events. Of course, I always had my camera to document the learning for my blog. The 2012 is on reading focus is based on time spent, not the quantity read. As an educator and parent, I adore this. Rushing through books just to get to a certain number checked off is counterproductive.
To help you get started with your summer reading program fun, here is a list of some (definitely not all) of the libraries in the area. There will be links to the main library system website, their events information (if posted), and login pages when available. Please note that each library does their rewards for reading differently, so read how your branch handles theirs.
Albany
- Albany Public Library
- Summer Reading program information
- Schedule of events at all branches – Includes visits from the Tang Museum, Scotia-Glenville Children’s Museum, countless crafts, and much more.
- Sign up and login for reading minutes
Bethlehem
- Bethlehem Pubic Library
- Online Summer Reading Program
- Calendar of Events – Author visits, reptile learning, and much more.
Clifton Park-Halfmoon
Colonie
- Colonie Public Library
- Login and events page – Concert with Rick Goldin, Make it Mondays, Treehouse Club, magician Jim Snack, and much more.
East Greenbush
- East Greenbush Community Library
- Kids Calendar of Events
- Program guide to Summer Reading program – Each week covered with programs and special guests including authors Matt McElligott and Tom Angleberger.
Glens Falls
Guilderland
- Guilderland Public Library
- GPL’s Summer Reading Club – Schedules and information
- Online registration and login page
Rensselaer
- Rensselaer Public Library
- Summer Reading Page
- Login page for reading
- Segment on WNYT about the Dream Big READ program
Saratoga Springs
- Saratoga Springs Public Library
- Summer Program Brochure – 41 pages filled with resources, program information, events, and more.
- Login page to record minutes read
Schenectady County
- Schenectady County Public Library
- 2012 Summer Reading Club
- Login page and resources
- Calendar of events – Making ice cream with Scotia-Glenville Children’s Museum, juggling show, reading magic with magician Joey DiDonna, and much more.
Troy
- Troy Public Library
- Children’s Summer Reading Program – Events including Cook with Honest Weight Co-op, create a floating dream with The Tang Museum, and many more.
If you do not see your local library listed above, please head to the Summer Reading at the New York Libraries to locate where you can participate with your family.
Do not forget that the more you read and expose your children to different genres of literature, the more they can travel and learn while at home. All of these local experiences will come in handy as you venture out to places near and far.
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