Reading Program “Build a Better World”

Looking for a way to keep your child engaged in learning over the summer months? Join the Cranford Public Library for our annual Summer Reading Program! This year’s theme is “Build a Better World,” and getting involved is a cinch!
Children simply track the amount of time they spend reading or being read to each day. Once they’ve recorded a week’s worth of reading, they stop by the library to receive a reward. This year’s prizes, generously donated by local businesses, include a cone at Dairy Queen, a summer of bowling at Linden Lanes, and tickets to a Somerset Patriots game! To participate, stop by the Children’s Department in June or July and register. Upon registering, you’ll be given a log in which you can record your reading.
In addition to logging reading, the library runs weekly programs for children of all ages. Every Monday morning at 10:30, we’ll host an enhanced story time for children ages 2-5 called “Budding Builders.” Each story time will focus on some simple STEM concepts and will be followed by an open-ended, hands-on activity. Children and their caregivers will have fun learning together at a pace that works for them!
Elementary-aged children are invited to learn through creation at “Maker Mondays,” a drop-in program held June 26-July 31 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. Children ages 6+ will take on a new challenge each week. We’ll be creating stop motion movies, participating in the egg drop challenge, playing with our food, and more!
We’ll also be welcoming professional performers each Wednesday evening for an allages family program! Join us for a new entertainer each week: we’ll have musical performances, live animals, and even a visit from a traveling planetarium! This series is held in the A/V Room of the Community Center at 7:00 p.m. Free tickets are available in the Children’s Department up to two weeks before each performance.
Our youngest friends won’t be left out: each Thursday morning at 10:15, we’ll present an early literacy story time for babies and toddlers ages 3-23 months. This lively story time features plenty of music and movement.
The Summer Reading program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Enrollment in the program runs from June 17th through July 28th and is open to all Cranford and Winfield Park residents. Visit the library or the library’s website, CranfordLibrary.org, for a full list of summer events.