Summer Reading with Boca Raton Public Library

In celebration of children’s literacy, the Boca Raton Public Library launched its annual Summer Reading program with the theme, “Imagine Your Story,” on May 1. This year’s fairytale-themed program will inspire all ages to discover the magic of reading through July 31.

The Summer Reading launch coincides with several Children’s Book Week activities from May 1–7. The week of activities kicked off May 2 with “Books in Time: Discover the Book Arts,” hosted by John Cutrone.

On May 3, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., join Spanish River Library for the The Velveteen Rabbit Puppet Show. Katie Adams’ Make Believe Theater will present the puppet show, along with a storytelling of The Princess and the Pea. Each family will receive a copy of The Velveteen Rabbit: The Classic Edition book courtesy of Shari and Steve Sadek while supplies last. The show is suitable for children aged 3 to 8 years.

Head to the Downtown Library for the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Celebration May 5, from 3 to 4 p.m. Children who have previously enrolled in the library’s 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program and have read 1000 books will celebrate their graduation with their families at a special ceremony at 3 p.m. Other active participants will be invited to a celebration from 3:30 to 4 p.m.

Summer Reading enrollment is now open for all ages through the READsquared mobile app or online. After signing up, children through fifth grade will receive a reading log. They are encouraged to read (or read together) for 20 minutes per day (or 100 minutes per week) and visit the library to claim a weekly prize beginning the week of June 5.

Children in sixth through twelfth grades will receive wireless ear buds when they enroll, as well as an enamel pin from TeeTurtle after reading 400 minutes. Once they’ve logged 800 minutes of reading on READsquared, they’ll be entered into a raffle to win a Nintendo Switch Lite or an Imagine Your Story Beach Bag with Bluetooth speaker and beach towel.

Adults are eligible for an end-of-summer drawing for book lovers’ gift sets when they log the books they read online. Three winners will be selected.

All participants who sign up for Summer Reading in the Library’s READSquared app will receive an “Imagine Your Story” tote bag while supplies last. Summer Reading participants will also be invited to attend a Magical Forest Bubble Party in June and a Happily Ever After Party in July. A library card is not required to participate.