Last week was the launch of the Southborough Library’s 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.
Plus, this summer’s highlights includes entertainers, regular 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.
[Note: This post is about programs for younger children. For my post on the Summer Reading Program activities for Tweens & Teens, click here.]
Here is an overview of the Summer Reading program and related special activities.
Summer Reading Basics
Registration: Sign up in person in the Children’s Room or online (here).
Prizes: Registered participants can enter to win Summer Reading prizes each time they check out items from the library. New winners are drawn every Monday.
Reading Logs: Kids are encouraged to track their time spent reading in logs you can pick up in the Children’s room. 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: There will be weekly scavenger hunts challenging kids to find pictures hidden around the Children’s Room. Kids can get their activity sheets stamped for each completed hunt/activity. Get your Activity Sheet stamped for each scavenger hunt or activity completed. 15 stamps earns 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!
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.)
- Wednesdays, 4:00 – 4:45 pm June 26 – August 14 (except for July 24)
- Tuesday, July 23, 11:00 – 11:45 am
Kids Jam
Fridays through August 23rd, 11:00 – 11:30 am, 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.
Again, none of the following require pre-registration. Unless otherwise specified, they are open to all ages.
(If you have questions about any of the events, you can contact Asst. Library Director Kim Ivers at kivers@southboroughma.com)
Science Heroes: Adventure of the Lost Treasure
Thursday, June 27, 4:00 – 4:45 pm, main floor
TaleWise returns to the library with the story of the Adventure of the Lost Treasure. This is the tale of a treasure-hunting expedition in the jungle! The audience will help the performer tell the story and solve puzzles by doing science experiments and learning new science concepts. (Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.)
Fourth of July Parade
Tuesday, July 2, 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Participants gather in the Children’s Room, then march up Common Street through the Town House and back.
Dress in red, white, and blue to join our Fourth of July Parade to the Town House! Flags, noisemakers, and other decorations will be provided and refreshments will be served after the parade. (Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.)
Pumpernickel Puppets presents Peter Rabbit
Tuesday, July 9, 11:00 – 11:45 am, main floor
Pumpernickel Puppets returns to the library with a presentation of “Peter Rabbit”. After the show, the puppeteer will explain how each puppet works. (Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.)
Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Wednesday, July 24 to Thursday July 25, Children’s Room
Drop off your stuffed animals for a fun sleepover at the library! There will be a craft at drop-off, and your animals will have lots of fun overnight in the library. Pictures will be sent to share what your animals are up to! Come back the next day to pick up your animals and see a slideshow of their adventures. (Drop off is 4:00 – 5:30 pm on Wednesday, with pickup 1:00 – 5:00 pm the next afternoon.)
Dinosaur Adventures
Thursday, July 25, 4:00 – 4:45 pm, main floor
Animal Adventures will bring both live animals and fossils to teach children about how today’s animals are related to their prehistoric ancestors. (Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.)
Magic with Ed Popielarczyk
Tuesday, July 30, 4:00 – 4:45 pm, Library Lawn
Ed Popielarczyk returns to the library with lots of tricks to amaze you! (In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Main Floor inside the building.)
Mr. Vinny’s Shadow Puppets
Tuesday, August 6, 4:00 – 4:45 pm, main floor
Mr. Vinny returns to the library with his custom made shadow puppet show, sure to bring lots of laughter! (Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.)
Wingmasters Birds of Prey
Tuesday, August 13, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, main floor
Best for children ages 6 and up — The presentation teaching about raptors and their declining numbers will include live hunting birds native to New England (like eagles, hawks, falcons and owls). Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.
End of Summer Reading Ice Cream Party
Thursday, August 15, 3:00 – 4:00 pm, Eaton Room
Celebrate Summer Reading with an ice cream sundae party! Bring in your reading logs, play some games, and enjoy ice cream! (Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.)
Kindergarten Party
Thursday, August 22, 11:00 – 11:45 am, main floor
For children entering kindergarten — Celebrate the coming event by joining the library’s annual kindergarten party! We will read stories about kindergarten, play a game and do a craft. Refreshments will be served.
Drop-in Programs
Stop by the Children’s Room any time during the the large time blocks for these activities.
- Drop-in Crafts – Tuesday, July 16, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Drop-in Lego Building – Thursdays, July 11 & August 8, 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Updated (7/5/25 11:16 am): I fixed the date for the July 16th (not 6th) Drop-in Crafts.
