Summer Reading Challenge Kickoff With Bubble Bus, Magic Shows At Yorktown Library

YORKTOWN, NY — As the school year winds down, the key to summer fun can be "unearthed" in a book.

Yorktown families are invited to the John C. Hart Memorial Library on Friday, June 26, for a Summer Reading Kickoff tied to the library's annual reading program. The event will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and will include a Bubble Bus, four magic shows by Myron the Magnificent, a photo booth, and lawn games.

This year's summer reading theme is "Unearth a Story." The library said patrons who register for the Summer Reading Game will receive a wristband for access to the activities. People can register in advance by downloading the Beanstack app and signing up for the Summer Reading Challenge, then get a wristband upon arrival at the event.

Library Director Yvonne Cech said the kickoff is timed to mark the end of the school year and introduce the new summer theme.

"It's a great way to celebrate the last day of school and to introduce the Summer Reading theme for this year, 'Unearth a Story,'" Cech said. "Our new Beanstack app makes it easy for readers of all ages to track their progress and stay engaged all summer long."

Cech also pointed to the reading program's broader goal during the summer months.

"Reading throughout the summer helps build strong literacy skills while fostering a lifelong love of books," she explained. "Join us for a season of reading and discovery at the library."

Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman also highlighted the value of summer reading for children when school is out.

“A love of reading is steppingstone for a child’s success," Lachterman said. "This fundamental skill must be cultivated in the summer so that children don’t forget what they learned during the year, a phenomenon many teachers call the summer slide."

The library is encouraging families to register before arriving to save time at the event. For more information, visit the library's event calendar or contact the John C. Hart Memorial Library.