New Rochelle Public Library Summer Reading Party Attracts Over 500

The New Rochelle Public Library launched the “All Together Now” Summer Reading Challenge with a festive Kickoff Party on Saturday, June 24. Despite inclement weather conditions, which required the event to be moved indoors, over 500 enthusiastic individuals attended the party, including families and children, as well as teens, from the local community.

Over 300 children and teens signed up for the Summer Reading Challenge, a program of the New York State Education Department and New York State Library, designed to advance literacy and maintain reading skill levels by engaging children and teens in reading and enrichment activities during the summer months. This year's theme, "All Together Now," emphasizes friendship, kindness, inclusion, and diversity.

Each child who signed up received a goody bag, a summer reading game board to track their progress, and a free book of their choice. In addition, attendees had the opportunity to meet and take fun photos with Elephant and Piggie, beloved characters from the popular children's book series, and make a craft to take home. Upon registration, teens also received free books, and raffle tickets for an end of summer give away.

Throughout the summer, the Library will host a wide range of activities and events each weekday at both the Main Library, 1 Library Plaza and Huguenot Children’s Library (HCL), 794 North Avenue, designed to bring children and their families together for reading and enrichment programs. These activities include musical performances, craft programs, storytimes, puppet shows, and more, catering to different age groups. There will also be three special “Summer Sings” concerts for children ages two and up on Saturdays, July 15, 29 and August 12 at 11:00 am.
Children, tweens and teens can still sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge by stopping by the Main Library or HCL during regular hours, or registering online by downloading the READSquared app (available in the Google Play Store and the App Store) or signing up at nrplny12.readsquared.com.

"We are thrilled to see such a tremendous response to our Summer Reading Kickoff Party," said Robert Simic, Head of Children’s Services, New Rochelle Public Library. "Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the event was a huge success, and we are grateful to the community for their enthusiastic support. We invite children to continue to sign up for the program and join us for a summer filled with engaging and creative activities that promote a love for reading and learning."

The "All Together Now" summer kick-off party was made possible with the generous support from the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library

For more information about the New Rochelle Public Library's summer programs and events, please visit bit.ly/NewNRPLCalendar or contact the Main Library at 914-813-3716 or the Huguenot Children's Library at 914-632-8954.