Summer Reading Fun at APL

June 30, 2016 | Youth Services

School is out and summer reading is in at Albany Public Library. Now through Aug. 20, APL encourages reading by providing prizes and special activities to keep kids and teens engaged and entertained during those long summer months away from school.

Participants register and record their reading in person at any of Albany Public Library’s branches. This year’s summer reading theme is “On Your Mark, Get Set…Read,” so many activities highlight sports and fitness activities. The 2016 APL Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the Friends of Albany Public Library, Price Chopper and Market 32, and Stewart’s Shops.

More than 100 special activities and events are scheduled during the eight-week program, in addition to more than 100 regular story times and game programs. Kids can stop by their neighborhood Albany library to:

Explore the world of sports and fitness with Library Olympics, inflatable bowling and sumo wrestling, hula hoops, mini golf, Wii sports, Zumba, soccer and baseball, yo-yos, breakdancing and hip hop, indoor tennis, and Quidditch
Learn about reptiles, mammals, dinosaurs, filmmaking, and Rube Goldberg machines
Create and sample yummy snacks like cupcakes and popcorn, veggie kabobs and fruit smoothies, ice cream sundaes and lollipops, and s’mores
Use their creativity to sew clothes, make paper mache art, craft pop-up books, build a song, and program a dancing robot

Here are just a few notable summer reading activities, which are all free and open to the public. Details and more listings are in the summer reading guide and our online calendar.

SummerFest Outdoor Party on July 9 (Sat) at 12-2 pm
Delaware Branch (331 Delaware Ave.)
This family festival features bounce house activity centers, games and prizes, and snacks for kids and their families. For all ages.

Stories & Art in the Parks
The library and City of Albany Department of Recreation, with help from Albany Barn and WMHT PBS Kids, are hosting story times and art activities in four of Albany’s beautiful parks. For children ages 2-5. For details call 434-5699.

July 11 (Mon) | 10:30 am-11:30 am | Washington Park Playground
(Rain location is library’s Washington Ave. Branch)
July 18 (Mon) | 10:30 am-11:30 am | Westland Hills Playground
(Rain location is library’s Pine Hills Branch)
July 25 (Mon) | 10:30 am-11:30 am | Lincoln Park Playground, Upper Section
(Rain location is library’s Delaware Branch)
Aug. 1 (Mon) | 10:30 am-11:30 am | Washington Park Playground
(Rain location is library’s Washington Ave. Branch)
Aug. 8 (Mon) | 10:30 am-11:30 am | Rosemont Park Playground
(Rain location is library’s Pine Hills Branch)
Aug. 15 (Mon) | 10:30 am-11:30 am | Lincoln Park Playground, Upper Section
(Rain location is library’s Delaware Branch)

Explore Science: Zoom into Nano
These family science nights help youngsters and their parents investigate the world of nano science using hands-on activities taught by experts from the Children’s Museum of Science + Technology, which is part of the SUNY Polytechnic Institute.

Zoom into Nano: Nano Labs, Tools, and Nature
July 12 (Tues) | 6-7:15 pm | Bach Branch | 455 New Scotland Ave.
July 13 (Wed) | 6-7:15 pm | Washington Ave. Branch | 161 Washington Ave.
July 19 (Tues) | 6-7:15 pm | Delaware Branch | 331 Delaware Ave.
Zoom into Nano: Nano and You
Aug. 9 (Tues) | 6-7:15 pm | Bach Branch | 455 New Scotland Ave.
Aug. 10 (Wed) | 6-7:15 pm | Washington Ave. Branch | 161 Washington Ave.
Aug. 16 (Tues) | 6-7:15 pm | Delaware Branch | 331 Delaware Ave.

Stephanie Simon

Stephanie Simon is manager of APL's Communication and Creative Services Department, which provides content and information for the library's website, social media, publications, videos, podcasts, and other outlets. Stephanie also manages APL's public relations and marketing efforts.