Teens 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. Teens will have a bigger space, with more seating, more places to plug-ins their devices, play video games and make crafts and snacks.

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 (and teens) a chance to “touch a truck”.

We will again be using the Reader Zone app to track reading progress. Reader Zone is an easy-to-use app that not only helps you keep track of your minutes, but it will also help you keep track of the books you have read. If apps are not your thing, you can access Reader Zone on computers at home or here at the library. We will also have paper logs available.

When you access Reader Zone for the first time, it will ask you for a code. You will be able to set up your account, but you won’t be able to start logging minutes until the first day of Summer Reading, which is June 3rd.

The Teen Reader Zone code is  8e55d.

This year’s grand prizes are a Lego set and a Kindle Fire. If you would like to be entered in a raffle for both prizes, you will need to read 800 minutes for each challenge, for a total of 1600 minutes. For every 20% of the challenge you’ve completed, you can come to the Main Circulation desk and spin the Wheel of Prizes! Prizes include books, candy, pens, and more.

Teen Tuesdays this summer from 4-5pm

  • June 6th Make it! Dirt Pudding
  • June 13th Sandcastle Building Contest
  • June 10th Giant Jenga Day
  • June 27th Lego Day
  • July 11th 3-D Print Minecraft Figures
  • July 18th Build-a-Bot

For more information about other summer programs, check out the library’s calendar.

The Summer Reading Program ends on Thursday, July 20th with a special event at Bundy Auditorium. 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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