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Summer Reading 2024! 

Children entering grades Kindergarten to grade 6 are encouraged to participate in this summer's theme, "Adventure Begins at Your Library." The summer theme aligns with the that of the Huntington Public Library and other NYS libraries. 

The theme for this summer echos the many places, ideas, escapades, and journeys that books allow children to experience. 'Adventures' can be unique to the interests and hobbies of each child. There is a book to meet every child's sense of adventure. You are invited to find different adventures that excite and inspire you from a great book.

Though we are suggesting that you explore the book lists on this site, there is no required list of books for children entering grades K to 6. 

We much rather your child enjoys the genres, titles, topics, characters and authors that interest them. Book suggestions are here to help you find new titles and authors you may not already know, but reading what is loved and enjoyed is the most important part of summer reading. 

You can make reading a fun activity for your child! 

1. Choose the Right Books

Think of this as the “Goldilocks Effect.” If your kid’s book is too easy, she’ll get bored. If her book is too hard, she’ll get frustrated and give up. When your child reads a “just right” book, she should be challenged but engaged. 

2. Set Goals

Sit down with your child and set some summer reading goals together. Depending on your child’s age, you might want to shoot for one book a week, or an hour of reading time a day. Make sure your goals are realistic, and set up a reward system. For example, if she finishes three books, take a trip to the movie theater or get an ice cream cone.

3. Make it fun!

Your kids will want to read if you sneak books into all the fun activities you do. Heading to the beach? Pack some books with you. Try going on a “reading picnic” in the park. Play games or puzzles together that will require your child to read words. Sing songs or nursery rhymes with younger ones. '

Do you find you and your family spend much of your time in the car? Consider listening to an audio book. The library has ebooks and books on CDs. Kids can follow along in the physical book as the story is read aloud. Make the most of all those drop offs and pick ups around town.

4. Go the Library

Public libraries often have great summer programs for kids, and these are usually fun and free. While you’re there, let your child pick out some new books – they’ll be much more excited to crack open a book if they choose it on their own. Older students may be able to volunteer to help run the library program. Check out your library to see if they need tween volunteers.

5. Read Every Day

Practice makes perfect, and reading is no exception! Show your kids that reading is a priority, and they will treat it that way too. In the meantime, enjoy snuggling up with your child and sharing a book – these moments will help establish a love of reading and a closer bond with your family.

6. Participate in Our Family Adventures!

We have prepared a weekly family adventure for you to try. Each adventure connects to the summer reading theme, "Adventure Begins at Your Library." While these are not required, they are  a way to deepen the theme and develop a closer bond with your family and explore our community.