Westfield Memorial Library Reports Record-Breaking Participation in 2026 Summer Reading Program

The Westfield Memorial Library's 2026 Summer Reading Program concluded one of its most successful years in recent memory, with participation surpassing prior-year totals in every category tracked. A total of 1,229 children from birth through high school enrolled in the program this summer, an 11 percent increase over 2025, logging 9,952 hours of reading over the course of the summer, up 4 percent from the year before.

“We've heard from many parents and caregivers that the summer reading program is instrumental in motivating their children to keep reading over the summer, which is crucial in preventing the ‘summer slide’” said Molly Adams, Head of Youth Services. “Kids can lose up to 20% of their reading progress if they don't keep reading during the summer.”

For the Library's youngest participants, the results were even more striking. The “little listeners” program, designed for children who are not yet reading independently, saw families record 7,702 books read aloud to children, a 20 percent jump over last year's total.

“I was particularly pleased to see such a dramatic increase this summer in the number of books read aloud to children,” said Library Director Allen McGinley. “This simple family activity helps children build language skills and expand their vocabulary, while supporting healthy brain development.”

The summer program ran from late June through mid-August and was complemented by a full calendar of in-person events designed to bring reading and learning to life. One of the most popular events of the summer was Chemical Wizardry, presented by Dan Weismann from Super Science for Kids.

“The demand we saw for Chemical Wizardry, in particular, reflects something we hear from families every summer,” said McGinley. “They want their children to be active and curious during these months, not passive.”

The Library attributes the continued growth in program participation to a combination of factors, including increased outreach to local schools in the months before the program, support from sponsors Tiffany Natural Pharmacy, Tutu School Westfield, and The Baked Bear Westfield for expanded events and reading incentives, and a grant from The Westfield Foundation to hire summer interns to assist with the program’s administration.

Participants collectively earned nearly 2,200 reading incentives, including books, gift cards to local businesses, t-shirts, and other prizes.

“With fun incentives such as ice cream gift certificates, and a treasure chest of assorted goodies, the kids loved to come in and claim their prizes,” said Adams. “And we enjoy hearing all about the books they read.”

Planning for next year’s Summer Reading Program will begin this fall. Families interested in receiving information about more fun, educational events at the library can sign up for the library’s email newsletter or follow the Library on social media.

About Westfield Memorial Library

Westfield Memorial Library is a public library dedicated to providing free and equitable access to information, resources, and cultural experiences for residents of Westfield and the surrounding community. Through innovative programming and responsive services, the Library advances literacy, lifelong learning, and civic engagement.