Summer Reading Fun Starts Now!
School is out and summer reading is in at Albany Public Library!
Starting Saturday, June 27, through Saturday, Aug. 22, 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 “every hero has a story,” so many activities highlight heroes of all types, from comic book heroes like Baymax and Captain America to neighborhood heroes like police officers and firefighters. The 2015 APL Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the Friends of Albany Public Library, Price Chopper, and Stewart’s Shops.
More than 125 special activities and events are scheduled during the eight-week program, in addition to more than 100 regular weekly story times and game programs. Kids can stop by their neighborhood Albany library to:
- Explore the world of superheroes with superhero training academy, superhero capes and masks, comic book workshops, and blockbuster movies
- Meet community heroes including K-9 officers, firefighters, and mounted police
- Learn about birds, polar bears, energy, storytelling, urban survival skills, croquet, gardening, and building structures
- Create and sample yummy snacks made from chocolate, fruits and veggies, lollipops, and pizza
- Make art using chalk, beads, paper, duct tape, yarn, and tie-dye
- Participate in games and building challenges using robots, LEGOs, Post-Its, and Strawbees
Here are just a few notable summer reading activities coming up at Albany Public Library, which are all free and open to the public. Check out the summer reading guide or our online calendar for complete listings.
Kickoff Parties on June 27 (Sat) at 1-3 pm at All Branches
Enjoy ice cream treats, do fun activities, and sign up for the Summer Reading Program. Everyone who signs up for summer reading on June 27 gets a raffle ticket and chance to win a bike from the Albany County District Attorney’s WORDS campaign.
SummerFest Outdoor Party on July 11 (Sat) at 1-3 pm at Delaware Branch
This family festival features bounce house activity centers, magic, games and prizes, and snacks for kids and their families.
(Note: ONLY the Delaware and Washington Ave. branches are open on July 11.)
Superhero Training Camp
Make a superhero costume and test your ability to make it through a maze of lasers, smash through a wall of bricks, and other superhero feats.
- July 2 (Thurs) at 3-4:15 pm at Delaware Branch
- July 6 (Mon) at 6:30-7:30 pm at Washington Ave. Branch
- July 21 (Tues) at 2-3 pm at Howe Branch
Heroes in Our Neighborhood
- July 2 (Thurs) at 4-5 pm — Guide Dogs at Pine Hills Branch
- July 7 (Tues) at 1:45-3 pm – Fire Department Field Trip at Howe Branch
- July 9 (Thurs) at 2-3 pm – Mounted Police at Delaware Branch
- July 14 (Tues) at 11 am-12 pm – Mounted Police at Pine Hills Branch
- July 20 (Mon) at 6:30-7:30 pm – K-9 Officers at Washington Ave. Branch
- Aug. 13 (Thurs) at 3-4 pm – Firefighters at Delaware Branch
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.