‘Color Our World’ Summer Reading to Kick-Off June 13 at TCPL
Join Tompkins County Public Library this summer for a chance at adventure, expression, creativity and lasting memories. Summer Reading kicks off Friday, June 13 with a Crafternoon and Celebration from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on the Library’s Avenue of the Friends. The celebration will include music, snacks, crafts and free books.
The special programming for people of all ages will run through August 23 and includes animal visits, a magic show from the Great and Powerful Dave, music classes for preschoolers, writing classes for teenagers, a SPLAT Sumthin’ paint party, a reading pep rally with the Fall Creek Brass Band, the return of the TCPL Tour Series and much more.
This year’s theme is “Color Our World,” which invites the exploration of life through different forms of art.
“I'm excited for our free events all summer long,” said Librarian Kat Savage, the head of Youth Services. “Here at Tompkins County Public Library, we love reading and learning year-round, but summer is always a little special! Our reading challenge will feature an original designed character, Hue the Chameleon. By reading throughout the summer, children and families will be able to bring color to this character.”
And Summer Reading is not just for kids. Grownups will have chances all summer to join in the fun.
“We've got the programming summer-joy equivalent of staying out until the streetlights go on and drinking from the garden hose for the generations that remember such things," said Librarian Judd Karlman, the head of Adult Services. “We’re bringing the history of Ithaca's drag scene, art and science tours, painting miniatures and of course the amazing MakerSpace's creative community to Summer Reading.”
Summer Reading also gives adults, teens and kids the chance to “cash-in” on their reading by reviewing books for a chance at raffle prizes, such as Squishmallows, art supplies and gift cards to local businesses. Book reviews will also help create a colorful collage display inside the Library.
A complete guide to programming, printable book review entry forms, and a list of raffles prizes is available at https://www.tcpl.org/summer-reading. Library staff will also be happy to talk about upcoming Summer Reading adventures and opportunities at our tables at the upcoming Ithaca Festival and Ithaca Pride 2025.
Throughout Summer Reading, the Library will also be accepting designs for new library cards, which will be unveiled at a special celebration in November marking the 25th anniversary of TCPL’s move to its current home on East Green Street.
Summer Reading will wrap up with an Ice Cream Celebration on August 23 that will include book giveaways and a raffle drawing. Ice cream will be provided by Cayuga Lake Creamery.
All library programs are free. Summer Reading at TCPL is made possible by the Bernard Carl and Shirley Rosen Library Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County.