Youth Services Summer Reading 2021

Welcome to the Durham Public Library’s Youth Summer Reading page! We have three different types of program this summer: virtual, pick-up and take home, and in-person. All of our in-person programs are outside this summer and require registration. All information can be found here and on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Miss Lauren at lredfield@durhamlibrary.org and Miss Kristen at kslepecki@durhamlibrary.org.
We can’t wait to enjoy summer with you!

Summer Reading Tracking Log Folders

Summer Reading Tracking Log Folders will be available for curbside pickup starting June 21st! Stop by the entrance to the library and you’ll see a bin with folders. Each folder contains a log to mark the days you read or do a summer learning activity, a calendar of summer events, a bookmark, some stickers, and a Tails & Tales newspaper!

Summer Reading Kick-Off Event: Llama at the Library!
Saturday, June 26 at 11 AM (Raindate: Tuesday, July 13 at 11 AM)
For all ages

Join us for a storytime at the library – featuring a real llama! Listen to a story, learn about llamas, and then have a chance to pet a llama yourself!

Event will be outside; masks required.
Registration required. Register HERE.

Pick-Up Activity Packets – For Kids!
Each week from June 21 – August 13
For kids 12 and under

Pick up a kit with a packet of activities and supplies each week of Summer Reading, while supplies last! A new kit will be available at the Main Desk every Monday, beginning Monday June 21, and each one follows a different Tales & Tails theme.

Registration not required; first come, first served. Feel free to email the Youth Services department or call the library to ask that packets be put aside for you.

Pick-Up Activity Packets – For Teens!
Each month in the summer
For teens 12+

Pick up a kit with a packet of activities and supplies each month of Summer Reading, while supplies last! New kits will be released Mondays June 21, July 5, & August 2nd; and will be available for pick up at the Main Desk the entire month. Each one follows a different Tales & Tails theme.

Registration not required; first come, first served. Feel free to email the Youth Services department or call the library to ask that packets be put aside for you.

Lunch with Sea Lions with the New England Aquarium
Tuesday, June 29 at noon, via Zoom
For all ages

Enjoy your lunch while you get up close and personal with sea lions! Engage with a marine mammal trainer as they conduct a training session with sea lions at the New England Aquarium! Learn about how they train, why they train, and what you can do to protect the ocean environment for these amazing animals! 

Registration required. Register HERE.

Make Your Own Fairy Dwelling

Add some magic to your garden with your very own Fairy House! Choose between two different projects- both options include all materials and easy to follow instructions, provided by The Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, CT.

Option 1: Decorate a pre-built Fairy Teepee! Registration is required as materials are limited. These kits will be available to pick up between Tuesday July 6th & Saturday July 10th. This option is great as a group project for families with younger children!

Option 2: Build your very own Fairy House using sticks from your backyard! These kits will be available on a first come, first serve basis beginning Monday July 26th and remaining available for pick up until Saturday August 14th, or while supplies last. No registration is required, and is recommended for older children, teens or as a family group project.

Register HERE for Option 1.

Mother Goose: From Our Nest to Yours
Available anytime on our YouTube channel!

Join Miss Diana for a storytime geared towards our littlest patrons! Each month will feature a new theme.

Click HERE for June’s Mother Goose storytime.
Click HERE for July’s Mother Goose storytime.

Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays, July 6 – August 10 at 10 AM (weather dependent)
For ages 3- 5 years old

Join us for storytime in the garden! We’ll listen to stories, sing songs, and get our wiggles out!

Event will be outside; masks required.
Registration required. Register HERE.

Safety PAWtrol with the Connecticut Humane Society
NEW DATE!!**Friday, July 30 at 3PM**
For kids in grades K -5

Discover how to safely interact with dogs by learning how to read their body language!

Event will be outside; masks required.
Registration required. Register HERE.

Doodle Art
Tuesday, July 13 at 6pm , via Zoom.
For ages 11+.

Celebrate the art of the doodle with one of the most spectacular tails of all- the peacock tail! Join Calligrapher Debby Reelitz on Zoom as she talks with participants about patterns and how calligraphers use them. Participants will create some black and white doodle art following this year’s Summer Reading theme- Tails & Tales! Materials will be provided.

Registration required. Register HERE.

Read to Rover
Friday, July 16 at 2 PM and Thursday, July 29 at 3 PM
For all ages.

Bring a book (or borrow one of ours!) and read one-on-one to Jackson, a certified therapy dog! 

Event will be outside in the garden.
Registration required. Email Miss Lauren at lredfield@durhamlibrary.org for a timeslot for a 15 minute session to read to Jackson!

Petting Zoo with Circle K Farms
Friday, August 13 at 3 PM
For all ages.

Goats, Lambs, and Bunnies – oh my! Come join us for a petting zoo on the lawn of the library!

Event will be outside; masks required.
Registration required. Register HERE for a 20 minute timeslot.