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June 20, 2019Summer Reading Kicks Off at Albany Public Library
School is (almost) out and summer reading is in at Albany Public Library (APL). From June 17 to Aug. 30, APL encourages kids and teens to read by providing prizes and hosting special activities. Librarians and educators have long encouraged kids to read every day during the summer, even if it’s just for 10 minutes a day.
This year’s theme is “A Universe of Stories,” so we’ll be hosting a number of programs related to planets, space, and the stars. The youth reading program is for ages 5-17.
• The APL Summer Reading Challenge runs Monday, June 17, through Friday, Aug. 30.
• Kids and teens sign up at any of our seven neighborhood library branches.
• They read whatever they want—chapter books, graphic novels, biographies, picture books, anime, nonfiction, short stories, comic books, and so on.
• Every week that kids and teens read, they earn chances for great prizes. The more they read, the more they earn.
• Participants visit the libraries for awesome activities, including rocket-building workshops, arts-and-crafts, engineering challenges, singalongs, cooking classes, magic workshops, animal encounters, and much more.
The 2019 APL Summer Reading Challenge is sponsored by Price Chopper and Market 32, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Stewart’s Shops.
Here are some highlighted activities from this week’s Summer Reading Challenge programs. Details and complete listings are on the library’s online Events Calendar at albanypubliclibrary.org.
Summer Snacks | June 17-June 21 (Mon-Fri) | 2-5 pm
Washington Ave. Branch | 161 Washington Ave.
Sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge and make a nutritious snack, including trail mix and fruit salad. For ages 5-17.
PokémonGo! Tournament | June 22 (Sat) | 12-4 pm
Washington Ave. Branch | 161 Washington Ave.
It’ll be a player vs. player battle with other Pokémon trainers. For ages 9-17.
Kickoff Party | June 22 (Sat) | 12:30-2:00 pm
Delaware Branch | 331 Delaware Ave.
Kids and teens register for the reading challenge, and enjoy a playdough extravaganza, face painting, and ice cream sundaes. For ages 5-17.
“Space Jam” Ice Cream Party | June 22 (Sat) | 1:00-4:00 pm
Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch | 148 Henry Johnson Blvd.
Watch the Looney Tunes enlist basketball great Michael Jordan to help them win a game in “Space Jam,” and enjoy an ice cream sundae bar. And, sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge. For ages 5-17.
