Dive into a world of creativity, imagination, and discovery with our Color Our World Summer Reading program! Earn prizes, explore new stories, and let your imagination run wild with art-themed activities and colorful book challenges. This summer is all about brightening your world - one page at a time.
Patrons of all ages will enjoy reading or listening to books (any kind you want!) all summer long through one of our three reading programs, all while winning some fabulous prizes! There's something for EVERYONE to enjoy at NMPL's Summer Reading Program!
Patrons of all ages will enjoy reading or listening to books (any kind you want!) all summer long through one of our three reading programs, all while winning some fabulous prizes! There's something for EVERYONE to enjoy at NMPL's Summer Reading Program!
KID'S SUMMER READING - PAPER |
KID'S SUMMER READING - BEANSTACK |
HOW TO SIGN UP: On May 29th, when the Summer Reading Program begins, participants can come into the library and sign up at the children's circulation desk.
PROGRAM INSTRUCTIONS: Kids will receive a fun coloring page tracker to keep track of their hours spent reading. (Please note: Patrons using paper trackers are not eligible to win a grand prize. Grand prize winners must participate on Beanstack.)
|
HOW TO SIGN UP: Once the reading program begins in the summer, participants can sign up via the FREE Beanstack app. Be sure you've got the Beanstack app downloaded on your phone beforehand, so you'll be ready to go!
PROGRAM INSTRUCTIONS: Kids will love our interactive summer reading app! They will use the app to track their hours of reading, and every three hours (0 - 5 years), four hours (6 - 9) or five hours (10 - 12 years) wins them a cool section prize. They will also get to earn fun badges by participating in special reading challenge, and the chance to earn Grand Prize tickets to try to win one of our grand prize packages! |
Children's Summer Reading FAQ
Q. What ages are able to participate?
A. Ages 0 – 12 are able to participate in the Children’s program, but we're always happy to make exceptions for older kids who want to participate in the Children's Program! (Please note that Beanstack locks in by age. If they want to read outside of their age bracket, they will need to choose the paper trackers instead of virtual.)
Q. Do different ages have different challenges?
A. Yes! 0 – 5 year old's will read 3 hours for each prize, 6 – 9 year old's will read 4 hours for each prize, and 10-12 year old's read 5 hours to earn each prize. We are flexible. If a younger child wants a bigger challenge and would like to go for reading more hours, then that's totally fine! If an older child is a struggling reader and needs to read less, that's okay!
Q. What do we do if a child loses their paper tracker?
A. Come to the children's desk and we'll help you sort it out!
Q. Can my child read books that aren’t in the library? Can they participate without a library card?
A. Absolutely!
Q. What do the badges do?
A. Badges are virtual rewards that readers earn in Beanstack - it's just a fun way to keep motivated on your reading journey!
Q. Can a child go through Summer Reading multiple times?
A. Yes! On Beanstack they will continue to earn badges and grand prize tickets for each hour read. The more reading they do... the more tickets they earn!
Q. What’s the last day for getting prizes?
A. The final day of Summer Reading (July 24th) is the last day to collect prizes.
Q. We want to use Beanstack but we don't have smart devices or laptops. What do we do?
A. No problem! Stop by one of the Beanstack stations at the check out desks and use the library tech to create an account, log your minutes, or apply your grand prize tickets!
A. Ages 0 – 12 are able to participate in the Children’s program, but we're always happy to make exceptions for older kids who want to participate in the Children's Program! (Please note that Beanstack locks in by age. If they want to read outside of their age bracket, they will need to choose the paper trackers instead of virtual.)
Q. Do different ages have different challenges?
A. Yes! 0 – 5 year old's will read 3 hours for each prize, 6 – 9 year old's will read 4 hours for each prize, and 10-12 year old's read 5 hours to earn each prize. We are flexible. If a younger child wants a bigger challenge and would like to go for reading more hours, then that's totally fine! If an older child is a struggling reader and needs to read less, that's okay!
Q. What do we do if a child loses their paper tracker?
A. Come to the children's desk and we'll help you sort it out!
Q. Can my child read books that aren’t in the library? Can they participate without a library card?
A. Absolutely!
Q. What do the badges do?
A. Badges are virtual rewards that readers earn in Beanstack - it's just a fun way to keep motivated on your reading journey!
Q. Can a child go through Summer Reading multiple times?
A. Yes! On Beanstack they will continue to earn badges and grand prize tickets for each hour read. The more reading they do... the more tickets they earn!
Q. What’s the last day for getting prizes?
A. The final day of Summer Reading (July 24th) is the last day to collect prizes.
Q. We want to use Beanstack but we don't have smart devices or laptops. What do we do?
A. No problem! Stop by one of the Beanstack stations at the check out desks and use the library tech to create an account, log your minutes, or apply your grand prize tickets!
SECTION PRIZES
As kids complete each section of the reading program, they'll be rewarded with some truly fantastic prizes!
Section 1 Prize - Monkey String BallColorful, squishy, and impossible to put down! These stretchy Monkey Balls are perfect for tossing, squeezing, or just fidgeting your way through a great book.
Section 3 Prize - LCD Writing TabletDraw, doodle, and scribble on the go! This colorful tablet lets you create with just a stylus—then erase with a tap or lock in your masterpiece. It’s perfect for quiet fun anytime, anywhere.
|
Section 2 Prizes - Paletas (Popsicles) These delicious paletas (popsicles) come in a rainbow of flavors - from classics (chocolate & butter pecan) to bold flavors like Vanilla Eskimo and Egg Nog. A tasty way to celebrate your reading streak!
Section 4 Prize - Summer Reading T-shirtFeaturing our “Color Your World ~ Colorea Nuestro Mundo” chameleon, this tee comes of a variety of sizes and lets everyone know you’ve been reading all summer long. It’s bold, bright, and totally fun to wear!
|
GRAND PRIZE PACKAGES
Reader's will earn tickets for each hour of reading they complete! These tickets can be entered into special Grand Prize drawings!
Grand Prize Packages for Readers Ages 0 - 5
Monster Trucks Bone Shaker Crush Course & Captain America MaskSmash, crash, and soar to victory with the epic Bone Shaker Monster Truck set- complete with a ramp, obstacles, and a driver ready for action! Then suit up for justice with your own Captain America mask and channel your inner hero!
|
|
Grand Prize Packages for Readers Ages 6 - 9
Marvel Stunt Squad and Black Panther Mask |
Marvel Stunt Squad and Thanos Mask |
Turtle Splash Board Game |
Launch into action with Black Panther, Iron Man, and Ultron in this Stunt Squad Knockdown set—crash, rebuild, and battle again! Then suit up in your own Black Panther mask and get ready to save the day.
|
Take down villains with Black Panther and Iron Man in this action-packed Marvel Stunt Squad set—then gear up as the Mad Titan himself with the official Thanos mask!
|
Flick the turtle, flip tiles, and race your beach balls to victory! This fun combo of memory and skill is perfect for family game night.
|
Big Spot 'n BopThe hunt is on with Big Spot 'n Bop! The crazy, active game with the giant inflatable tower of fun! It's the game where players race to find objects hidden in plain sight on a big air-filled bopper!
|
Radio Controlled Great White SharkMake waves with this realistic RC Great White Shark! With 360° movement and a rechargeable battery, it’s ready to swim, splash, and scare in the best way.
|
Grand Prize Packages for Readers Ages 10-12
Ahsoka Tano and Nubs Action FiguresBlast off into adventure with Ahsoka Tano & Nubs! Take to the skies in a starship with pop-out wings, fit for a Jedi-in-training. With Ahsoka and Nubs ready for action, young Star Wars fans can imagine endless galaxy-saving missions!
|
Kai Brightstar and Darth Vader Action FiguresLaunch Jedi-in-training Kai in his pop-out wing starship, then face off with Darth Vader—complete with glowing red eyes, lightsaber, and iconic sound effects. A galactic showdown awaits!
|
Throw Throw Burrito Dodgeball Card GameRace to collect matching cards while dodging squishy burritos flying your way. The goal? Score points with sets of cards and avoid getting hit by burritos. This game will keep you laughing and on your toes!
|
Mio Angle Bracelet Making KitFeaturing hundreds of clay beads in a vibrant array of colors, this beautifully organized kit is perfect for jewelry makers. Special beads and charms add to fun!
|
RUKUSfx Motion-Controlled Music MixerMix and remix tracks with RUKUSfx using fun moves like Punch, Swipe, and Twist! Create custom mixes, add sound effects, and record your performances. With 80 sound effects and vibrant LED lights, it’s the ultimate tool for any aspiring DJ or performer!
|
TOP READER PRIZES
Our top adult, child, and teen readers will each win an aluminum 28oz drink tumbler from Mango Languages!
SUMMER READING SPLASH PARTY
Saturday, August 9th @ 6pm
Once again we are hosting a Summer Reading Splash at the Strauss Peabody Aquatic Center for the first 100 kids who complete the NMPL Summer Reading program!
The library has booked the therapy pool with slide, the lap pool and the outdoor splash pad for children to enjoy. All ages – even little ones – will be able to enjoy this event! Lifeguards will be on duty.
All children MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The pools, steam room, sauna, and whirlpool will be available for adults to enjoy but they must be responsible for their children during that time.
Capacity is limited so no more than one adult per child. Multiple children in the same family may be accompanied by only one parent but two parents are also allowed.
Remember, only the first 100 children to complete Summer Reading will receive a pass for this event so once the program begins... START READING!
The library has booked the therapy pool with slide, the lap pool and the outdoor splash pad for children to enjoy. All ages – even little ones – will be able to enjoy this event! Lifeguards will be on duty.
All children MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The pools, steam room, sauna, and whirlpool will be available for adults to enjoy but they must be responsible for their children during that time.
Capacity is limited so no more than one adult per child. Multiple children in the same family may be accompanied by only one parent but two parents are also allowed.
Remember, only the first 100 children to complete Summer Reading will receive a pass for this event so once the program begins... START READING!
2024 Summer Reading Gallery
Thanks to all our wonderful patrons who participated in our 2024 Life in the Past Lane Summer Reading Program! We had a BLAST celebrating a nostalgic summer of reading with all kinds of fun programming and events, and we hope you did too! Thanks for the wonderful memories!