Harlem Library

The theme for 2020 is “Imagine Your Story,” focusing on fairytales, fantasy, and all things make-believe.

Because of Covid-19, we will not be having a weekly program held at the library. Instead, we will meet at the city park every Tuesday at 10:00 am, June 2nd-July 21st, weather permitting. Families will need to bring their own blankets, and children need to have at least one parent or caregiver with them. We are asking you to keep a social distance of at least six feet from others and remain on your blanket throughout the entire storytime. We will read stories, sing songs, and do fingerplays during our 15-30 minutes together. Each child will leave with a make & take craft, with all supplies needed for a fun activity in bags to take back home.

There will also be a StoryWalk displayed at the city park. A StoryWalk is a fun, educational activity that places the pages from a children’s story along a route. Children and families are encouraged to read the book while walking from beginning to end.

Children ages 0-Kindergarten will keep track of the number of books read/read to them. After 25 books, they’ll receive a gift certificate for a small ice cream cone. After 50 books, they will receive a gift certificate for an Italian soda. After 75 books, they will receive a gift certificate for a personal pizza. At every 25 books read/read to, the children will also be entered into a drawing for the grand prize LEGO set.

Children in 1st grade through 8th grade will keep track of the number of minutes read. After 200 minutes, they will receive a gift certificate for a small ice cream cone. After 500 minutes, children will receive a gift certificate for an Italian soda. After 1000 minutes, they will receive a gift certificate for a personal pizza. After each prize, the children will also be entered into a drawing for the grand prize LEGO set.

Adults, including students in grades 9-12, will get their name entered into a drawing for a $50 Visa gift card for every book read.

There will be no official registration this year, and we will not be handing out tracking sheets. You can use an old fashioned pencil and plain old paper to keep track of your books/minutes, or use the READSquared app. If you have questions about the app, contact the library for more information.