Registration for Princeton Public Library’s 2019 summer reading program begins on Monday, June 10. From mid-June to the end of July, the library will host a range of free activities for children, teens, and adults that encourage and support a love of reading. This summer’s theme, “It’s Showtime at Your Library,” will explore all kinds of performances from circus and theater to music and—for the first time—video production!

Princeton Public Library has scheduled over 20 different programs both in and out of the library this summer to help expand our summer readers’ horizons. To see the schedule for the summer, CLICK HERE.  One does not need to be registered for summer reading or hold a Princeton Public Library card to attend summer reading activities, but some activities will be by advance registration only due to limited materials and attendance.

But summer reading is important beyond the fun activities. Research has shown that reading over the summer prevents summer reading loss.  “Students who read during the summer maintain their levels in reading and math better when they return to school in the fall. And when children can choose materials based on their own interests, they read more,” says Youth Services director Ron McCutchan.

To register for “It’s Showtime at Your Library,” participants should have access to a library card, since the expectation is that most of summer reading will be Princeton Public Library materials (books, magazines, or audio books). Participants will track hours of reading (in 15 minute increments) and can win prizes for reaching their reading goals, with incentive prizes at several levels. For each hour of reading or program attended, participants also receive a ticket to put in raffle jars for different prizes, with the drawing to be held at the end of July.

Registration extends through June 15 (although children may register at any point during the program).