News

June 24, 2015

Summer Reading Fun Kicks Off June 27 at Albany Public Library

Lots of Activities All Summer Long, Including Huge Outdoor Festival July 11 

ALBANY, NY—School is out and summer reading is in at Albany Public Library (APL). From June 27 to 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. Details and more listings are online: www.albanypubliclibrary.org/programs/summer-reading-program/ 

Kickoff Parties on June 27 (Sat) at 1-3 pm

All APL Branches

Enjoy ice cream treats, do fun activities, and sign up for the Summer Reading Program. For ages 5-17. 

SummerFest Outdoor Party on July 11 (Sat) at 1-3 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.

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

Delaware Branch (331 Delaware Ave.) – For ages 4-10. Please call 463-0254 to register.

  • July 6 (Mon) at 6:30-7:30 pm

Washington Ave. Branch (161 Washington Ave.) – For ages 5-11.

  • July 21 (Tues) at 2-3 pm

Howe Branch (105 Schuyler St.) – For ages 4-10. Please call 472-9485 to register.

Heroes in Our Neighborhood

  • July 7 (Tues) at 1:45-3 pm – Fire Department Field Trip

Howe Branch (105 Schuyler St.) – For ages 5-12. Please register at 472-9485.

  • July 9 (Thurs) at 2-3 pm – Mounted Police

Delaware Branch (331 Delaware Ave.) – For ages 5-12.

  • July 14 (Tues) at 11 am-12 pm – Mounted Police

Pine Hills Branch (517 Western Ave.) – For ages 5-12. Please register at 482-7911 x223.

  • July 20 (Mon) at 6:30-7:30 pm – K-9 Officers

Washington Ave. Branch (161 Washington Ave.) – For ages 5-12.

  • Aug. 13 (Thurs) at 3-4 pm – Firefighters

Delaware Branch (331 Delaware Ave.) – For ages 5-12.

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 six of Albany’s beautiful parks. For children ages 2-5. For details call 434-5699.

  • June 29 (Mon) at 11 am-12 pm – Washington Park Playground

(Rain location is library’s Washington Ave. Branch)

  • July 6 (Mon) at 11 am-12 pm – Hoffman Park Playground

(Rain location is library’s Delaware Branch)

  • July 13 (Mon) at 11 am-12 pm – Westland Hills Playground

(Rain location is library’s Pine Hills Branch)

  • July 20 (Mon) at 11 am-12 pm – Lincoln Park, Lower Area Playground

(Rain location is library’s Howe Branch)

  • July 27 (Mon) at 11 am-12 pm – Ridgefield Park Playground

(Rain location is library’s Bach Branch)

  • Aug. 3 (Mon) at 11 am-12 pm – North Swan Park Playground

(Rain location is library’s Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch)

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Albany Public Library (APL) educates, entertains, and empowers our community. APL operates seven award-winning branches serving the residents of Albany. Each month, about 75,000 people use the libraries to borrow materials, attend programs, access computers, and research information. More than 90,000 books, DVDs, and other materials are circulated each month. Visit APL online at www.albanypubliclibrary.org. And, look for the free “Albany Public Library Mobile” app for Apple and Android devices.