Above: The Southborough Library is using the Summer Reading program to encourage kids to “Level Up” over school break (top image from program promotions)
This week, the Southborough Library launched its annual Summer Reading program.
Kids are invited to sign up to log their reading and participate in the fun. As usual, there will be activities and challenges to engage kids each time they visit the Children’s Room.
As always, the library will draw kids in with special programs including entertainers, outdoor story times, and craft programs.
None of these require pre-registration, but you’ll want to mark your calendars for some of the special events.
Reminder, today (Thursday, June 19th) is the Juneteenth holiday. So the library is closed today. It will reopen tomorrow, and is still open on Saturdays in June. (In July and August, the library is closed on Saturdays.)
Here is an overview of the Summer Reading program and related special activities.
[Note: This post is about programs for younger children. Stay tuned for a post on the Summer Reading Program activities for Tweens & Teens.]
Summer Reading Basics
Registration: Sign up in person in the Children’s Room or online (here).
Prizes: Earn prize tokens by bringing in reading logs, completing “Level Up” activities, and scavenger hunts. Tokens can be placed in raffle jars for various prize baskets.
Reading Logs: Kids are encouraged to track their time spent reading in logs you can pick up in the Children’s room, or online (here). They can earn a bead for every 15 minutes they read, with the goal of earning enough beads for a necklace or keychain.
Activities in the Children’s Room: Complete the weekly scavenger hunt around the Children’s Room to unscramble words! Get your “Level Up” sheet stamped for each scavenger hunt or activity completed to earn a free book!
Ducks: The popular rubber ducks are ready for another summer of traveling! Check out a duck from the library and take it on a trip or hang out around the house. Report back on where your duck has been and share pictures!
You can find online sheets and details here.
Weekly Program
Outdoor Story Times
Most are Wednesday afternoons, with one Tuesday morning
Bring a blanket and listen to stories outside on the lawn! (In the case of inclement weather, the event will move to the Children’s Room.)
- PJ Story Times — Wednesdays, 7:00 – 7:45 pm, June 18 & 25
- Wednesdays, 4:00 – 4:45 pm, July 2nd – August 13th (except for July 9th & August 6th)
- Tuesdays, July 8th & August 5th, 11:00 – 11:45 am
Kids Jam
Fridays, 11:00 – 11:30 am, through August 29th (except for July 4th), Library lawn
Best for newborns through preschool age. Join Amy Kaufman sing a variety of traditional and popular children’s songs, accompanied by her mountain dulcimer. Kids are invited to dance and sing along! (It will be moved indoors in the case of inclement weather.) (Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.)
Special Events
The program includes booked entertainers and planned special stand-alone events to draw kids into the library this summer.
A few, specified below, have limited space and require pre-registration, and a couple have specific audiences. But most are drop-in and open to anyone.
(If you have questions about any of the events, you can contact Asst. Library Director Kim Ivers at kivers@southboroughma.com)
Rainforest Reptiles
Thursday, June 26th, 11:00 – 11:45 AM
Rainforest Reptiles will bring a variety of reptiles to the library. The audience will learn about each reptile, and in some cases, have a chance to touch them! Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.
“Movin’ On Up” Puppet Show
Friday, June 27th, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Registration is required for this event for children who are transitioning into preschool, kindergarten and first grade in Fall 2025 (ages 3-6 and siblings.) Musician Tom Knight will perform a “Movin’ On Up” Family Event featuring music, dancing, and puppets! Every child will receive a free book to take home. This program is provided by the YMCA Family and Community Partnership.
(Click here to register.)
Annual Fourth of July Parade
Tuesday, July 1st, 11:00 – 11:45 AM
Kids of all ages are invited to join the Library’s annual Fourth of July parade to the Town House! We will provide flags and patriotic accessories and march from the Library, through the Town House, and back. Ice cream will be served at the conclusion of the parade! Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.
Trevor the Games Man
Thursday, July 10th, 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Trevor the Games Man returns to the library in an interactive show with lots of games, laughs, and audience participation! Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.
Make Your Own Puzzle
Monday, July 14th, 3:45 – 4:45 PM
Registration is required for this event for ages 7 and up. Each participant will get their own small puzzle to color and decorate. After the puzzles are decorated, participants will share and put together the puzzles. Each child will take home the puzzle they made.
(Click here to register.)
Storyteller Diane Edgecomb presents “Game Time”
Tuesday, July 15th, 4:00—4:45 PM
Storyteller Diane Edgecomb returns to the Southborough Library with “Game Time”! This show brings participatory tales of playful games to go along with the Summer Reading Program theme of “Level Up”. Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.
Alpaca Visit
Monday, July 21, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Registration is required for this event for kids of all ages. Participants will visit with an alpaca from Harvard Alpaca Ranch! Learn about their care and enjoy their company with some great photo ops.
(Click here to register.)
Pumpernickel Puppets
Tuesday, July 22nd, 11:00 – 11:45 AM
This event is best suited for ages 3 and up. Pumpernickel Puppets returns to the library to present two short stories: “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” and “The Lion and the Mouse”. After the performance, the audience will learn how each puppet is made and how to make their own puppets. Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.
Build a Watershed Model
Thursday, July 24th, 4:30 – 5:30 PM
Registration is required for this event suggested as appropriate for ages 6 and up. Get your hands wet as we use spray bottles to rain on our models and problem-solve how to keep our water clean. The program is presented by the MA DCR Division of Water Supply Protection.
(Click here to register.)
Science Heroes: Adventure of the Missing Color
Tuesday, July 29th, 4:00 – 4:30 PM
Suited best for kids entering grades K-5. Science Heroes returns to the library with stories about the scientists who color our world! This show will feature interactive stories along with hands-on science experiments. Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.
Cartooning Camp Buffet
Daily events Monday, August 4th – Friday, August 8th, 10:30 AM – 12:30 or 1:30 PM
Registration is required for these special cartooning and graphic novel workshops for ages 8-17, each with a different focus. For more details, see dedicated post.
Rainy Day Nature Story Time
Tuesday, August 12th, 11:00 – 11:45 AM
Registration is required for this event suggested as appropriate for ages 2-5 years old. This story time will include feature hands-on activities to introduce the water cycle and show what animals do when it rains. A water experiment and collage craft will follow the story. The program is presented by the MA DCR Division of Water Supply Protection.
Ed Popielarcyzyk’s Magical Moments
Thursday, August 14th, 4:00 – 4:45 PM
Ed Popielarczyk returns to the library with lots of magic to wrap up the Summer Reading Program! This show will promise lots of laughs and audience interaction. Bring a blanket or chair to join us on the library lawn. (In the case of inclement weather, this will be moved to the library’s the main floor.) Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.
Kindergarten Party
Thursday, August 21st, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This event is for all children about to enter Kindergarten. The annual party will feature stories, games, and a craft followed by refreshments. Children can meet other children who will be in the same class at school. Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.
Drop-in Programs
Stop by the Children’s Room any time during the the large time blocks for these activities.
Drop-in Patriotic Crafts – Thursday, July 3, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (Themed to bring home in time for 4th of July Celebrations)- Drop-in Crafts – Thursday, July 31, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Drop-in Lego Building – Wednesday, July 23 & Thursday, August 7, 11:0 am – 5:00 pm (Creations will be displayed in the Children’s Room)
