Your Guide to Summer Reading 2025
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
- 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Summer Reading Kickoff Crafternoon and Celebration (All ages)
Thursday, June 26
- 6:00 – 7:45 p.m.
History’s a Drag: The History of Ithaca’s Drag Scene with Tilia Cordata (Adults)
Saturday, June 28
- 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
SPLAT Sumthin’ Paint Party (Youth)
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
- 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Storyteller’s Bag (Youth)
Friday, July 18
- 4:00 p.m - 4:45 p.m.
Magic Show with the Great & Powerful Dave (Youth)
Saturday, July 19
- 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sing Me a Story, Read Me a Song (Youth) - 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Minis Painting Party (All ages)
Registration Required
Thursday, July 24
- 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Circus Culture Performance (Youth)
Saturday, July 26
- 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Pep Rally with the Fall Creek Brass Band (All ages)
Wednesday, July 30
- 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Tanglewood Nature Center: Meet the Animals (Youth)
Thursday, July 31
- 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sciencenter: Meet the Animals (Youth)
Printable Guides
August
Saturday, August 9
- 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Take a Tromp Through the Swamp (Youth)
Saturday, August 16
- 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Lily Silly Puppet Show & Workshop (Youth)
Registration Required - 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
TCPL Makerspace X The History Center: Personal Map Art (Adults)
Registration Required
Saturday, August 23
- 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Ice Cream Celebration & Raffle Drawing (All Ages)
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 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
- Teen Creative Writing Workshops
8 weeks, beginning June 10
Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Registration Required - SingSong Music Classes
4 weeks, beginning June 17
Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Registration Required - Preschool Art Studio
4 weeks, beginning July 29
Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m - 11:15 a.m.
Adult Event Series
- Queer Craft Club
Second Monday of Each Month, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. - NARCAN Training with Reach Medical
First Thursday of Each Month, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Registration encouraged - Meditation and Mindfulness
First Tuesday of Each Month, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Registration required
TCPL TOUR SERIES
- Johnson Art Museum
Friday, July 11, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Lab of Ornithology
Wednesday, July 23, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
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
- 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sit! Stay! Read! (Youth) - 4:00 p.m. – 6 :00 p.m.
Teen Maker Monday (Youth)
TUESDAYS
- 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Makerspace Open Hours (Adults) - 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
LEGO Family Build Night (All ages)
WEDNESDAYS
- 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
& 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Makerspace Open Hours (Adults) - 4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
LGBTQIA+ Youth Group (Youth)
THURSDAYS
- 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Makerspace Open Hours (Adults) - 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Story + Craft (Youth) - 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Ages 8 to 108 Board Game Club (All ages)
FRIDAYS
- 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Baby & Toddler Storytime (Youth) - 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Makerspace Open Hours (Adults)
SATURDAYS
- 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Family Storytime (All ages)
Upcoming Events
Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to celebrate reading and build their early literacy skills at Family Storytime. We meet each Saturday for stories, songs and hands-on fun.
What do you want to make?
Children are invited to practice their reading skills by sharing a story with a truly non-judgmental listener -- a dog! Reading sessions will be held Mondays from 3-4 p.m. Children who attend 6 sessions will earn a FREE book of their choice!
Let's Make Something! 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Cricut, and more...