Children’s Summer Reading 2023: Constructing Community 

There are big changes coming to the library this summer and beyond. The library is being transformed into a place where there are even more opportunities for the community to come together to enjoy books, meet friends and learn.  

The Summer Reading Program runs from June 3- July 20 and starts with the Summer Kick-Off Party on Saturday, June 3rd from 10am to 2pm. There will be an inflatable obstacle course, free snow cones, and a visit from the one and only Curious George! NASH FM will be there providing music and M. L. Taylor Construction will give kids a chance to “touch a construction truck”.

We will again be using the Reader Zone app to track reading progress. When you access the Reader Zone app for the first time, it will ask you for a code. You can set up an account at any time, but it won’t be active until the first day of Summer Reading. 

 For Children’s Summer Reading, the code is 439b9.

Paper reading logs will also be available at the Kick-Off party and in the Children’s Department during Summer Reading.

To complete the program kids need to read a total of 800 minutes. At the halfway point of the program, after they have read 400 minutes, they can stop by the library for a prize. Everyone who completes the program will have a chance to win a prize from one of the many great prizes this year.

Join us for fun and educational library programs this summer. 

Marvelous Mondays 10am-11am @ the Arts Park

  • 6/5- Mark’s Ark
  • 6/12- Rock N’ Rope Warrior
  • 6/19- Build that Habitat
  • 6/26- Magician Ken Cooper
  • 7/3- Indiana Wild
  • 7/10- Machines with Professor Steve
  • 7/17- Absolute Science Science Stations

Pop-Up @ the Park Wednesdays:  10am-11:30am (Storytime, Books, Snacks and a Craft)

  • 6/7- Baker Park
  • 6/14- Baker Park
  • 6/21- Baker Park
  • 6/28- Osborne Park
  • 7/5- Lowe Park
  • 7/12- Baker Park
  • 7/19- Baker Park

Foam Fridays 12:30pm (Free Lunch at 11:30)

  • 6/9-Parker Elementary
  • 6/16-YMCA
  • 6/23-Parker Elementary
  • 6/30-YMCA
  • 7/7-Parker Elementary
  • 7/14-YMCA
  • 7/21-Eastwood Elementary

The Summer Reading Program ends on Thursday, July 20th with a special event at New Castle Middle School. Henry County Author Talks presents HGTV Good Bones star and children’s book author Mina Starsiak Hawk. Mina’s children’s book, Built Together, celebrates families and the many ways they are ‘built together’. The first 100 attendees will get a free copy of the book.  Kids Ink Children’s Bookstore will also be selling copies at the event.  After the talk, Mina will be available to sign her book. This event is in partnership with New Castle High School, New Castle Middle School and Friends of Bundy Auditorium and sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Library Board of Directors. Many thanks to our partners and sponsors for their commitment to supporting literacy and education, as well as providing engaging and entertaining events for families. Tickets will be available through Eventbrite starting June 3.

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