SCOTCH PLAINS SUMMER READING REGISTRATION BEGAN JUNE 1

Another exciting summer reading season is about to begin at Scotch Plains Public Library. Readers of all ages will explore many ways to “Build a Better World,” in keeping with this summer’s theme. Registration for Summer Reading will begin online and in-person at 9 am Monday, June 1.
As always, summer reading for children and teens includes two parts; participants receive prizes for the time they spend reading, and they also sign up for the activities and events that interest them.
The season’s programs will kick off with an all-day Harry Potter 20th Anniversary (HP20) celebration on June 26, 2017, with registration for HP20 commencing June 12. Harry Potter fans agree that J.K. Rowling introduced us to a new world twenty years ago this summer, with the United Kingdom publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (released as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the US in 1998).
HP20, with programs for all ages, will begin at 9 am with screenings of the first two movies, and conclude with a 6:30 pm party and a 7:30 live radio-show style Harry Potter parody presentation by the actors from Radio Raconteur, complete with theatrical lighting, costumes, Golden Age radio equipment, and extensive sound and special effects.
Harry Potter is just the beginning. Summer activities for school-age children will include performances by a magician and other entertainers, a visit by wild animals, makers’ activities, story times, crafts, chess, and outdoor fun. Pre-schoolers have their own Wee Readers program. Teen participants will explore science, art and books. They can take part in anime and chess clubs, book discussions, parties and a special Escape the Room evening program.
Adults can join their children for several programs, and they will also have their own art, book discussions, cooking and film events.
Registration can be done online or in person. Sign-up for children’s and teen activities that require registration is typically offered one week in advance. Adult event sign-up can be done any time after June 1 until programs are filled. The library’s children, teen, and adult summer reading calendars will be available on the Scotch Plains Public Library website (www.scotlib.org). Programs are free of charge and open to Scotch Plains and Fanwood library cardholders in good standing.