Your Guide to Summer Reading 2025

Your Guide to Summer Reading 2025

A vibrant colorful background, with black and white hand drawn chameleons on either side. The text reads Color Our World. Summer Reading. Through August 23.

 

Summer is a chance to explore the world around you, to satisfy curiosity, engage in adventure, and make lasting memories. This summer Tompkins County Public Library is launching "Color Our World," which aims to help people of all ages go on a journey of art and creativity through summer reading and activities.

The special programming planned includes a "Crafternoon" kick-off, a painting party, chances to meet animals, see magic, create your own unique art and make music. There are also tours of local sites, a brass band pep rally, and a raffle where you earn entries by reading and reviewing books! And the fun isn't just for kids. Adults also have the chance to relive the joy of reading books for prizes, and at the end of the summer everyone can join us for an ice cream party!

We also have books coming in all the time for book clubs and giveaways, and special series programs available to help you unlock your inner artist, whether that be through painting, singing, writing, or crafting!

See our full schedule of events below and check back for updates through the summer as we add more ways for you to explore life and Color Our World!

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING

Throughout the summer we have one-time events planned that can give you a chance to experience and enjoy an array of different ways people express themselves.

Click on each event title to learn more about what to expect, and to register if needed.

JUNE

Friday, June 13
Thursday, June 26
Saturday, June 28
The logo for Tompkins County Public Library's Summer Reading Logo. It has a bright multi-colored background with some colors overlapping to make new colors. In the foreground is a silhouette of the Library's facade, and the text Tompkins County Public Library
Summer Reading at TCPL is made possible by the Bernard Carl and Shirley Rosen Library Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County.

July

Monday, July 14
Friday, July 18
Saturday, July 19
Thursday, July 24
Saturday, July 26
Wednesday, July 30
Thursday, July 31

August

Saturday, August 9
Saturday, August 16
Saturday, August 23

BOOK CLUBS

Youth
Adults
Tween Book Club
June 17 – July 15 – August 19
4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Graphic Novel Book Club
July 14
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
It Rhymes with Takei by George Takei
Early Reader Book Club
June 24 – July 22 – August 26
3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

4 Seasons Book Club
August

Date & title will be shared closer to the event

RECURRING PROGRAMMING

In addition to our one-time programs, TCPL will also offer recurring programs that aim to build on lessons learned from week-to-week.

Click on each event below to learn more and to save your spot, if registration is required.

Youth Event Series

An image showing an assortment of stuffed animals and other toys and kits. In the foreground is bright text that reads PRIZES
Summer Reading at TCPL includes a raffle for prizes for people of all ages. Click the image to learn what prizes are available and how to enter!

Adult Event Series

TCPL TOUR SERIES

More locations and dates will be announced soon!

WEEKLY PROGRAMMING

In addition to all the special programs and series above, TCPL will also continue offering recurring programs every week that allow people of all ages to discover, connect, and create.

MONDAYS

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

THURSDAYS

FRIDAYS

SATURDAYS

 


 

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group

SingSong Music Class Series

10:00am–10:45am
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Music
Registration Required
About this event::

Sign your kiddo up for this four-week music class series with local musician and music-educator Amy Puryear! SingSong is a fun-filled class for little ones and parents/caregivers to enjoy music together in a circle setting.

This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Makerspace One-on-One

11:00am–12:00pm
Adults, Teens
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Makerspace, One-on-One Appointments
Registration Required
About this event::

What do you want to make?

This event is in the "Adults" group

Technology Basics One-on-One

12:00pm–1:00pm
Adults
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Digital Lab, One-on-One Appointments, Technology Class
Registration Required
About this event::

Need help with basic technology topics, such as using email, searching the internet, or borrowing eBooks?  Make an appointment for one-on-one help from a TCPL librarian or partnering technology tutor. 

Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Schwarz Jacobson Meeting Room
About this event::

An opportunity to meet with the staff from Congressman Josh Riley's office regarding concerns or Federal case work needs.

This event is in the "Families" group
This event is in the "Kids" group

Early Reader Book Club

3:00pm–3:45pm
Families, Kids
Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Families, Kids
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
About this event::

Children in grades K-2 are welcome to join our Early Readers Book Club.