Summer Reading Programs Around Fairfield County

7/21/16 - By Jacqueline Miller

Whether your child is in pre-school or high school, the final works from her teacher were probably instructions about making sure to read over the summer in order to avoid the dreaded summer slide. However, with the movie adaptation of Roald Dahl's beloved The BFG to the long awaited publication of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, this summer books are cool again, and it's a fantastic time to get kids excited reading.  Nearly every public library in Fairfield County has some kind of summer reading program in which children can win prizes. Some of these programs require proof of residency in the form of a library card, but there are a wide variety of programs of available for the community at large in libraries and other locations. We've rounded up other educational programs happening over the summer to fight that summer slide but here are some of our favorites to help keep the kids reading:

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Reading and Rolling—Darien
Fridays, July 8th-29th, 2016
Grab some coffee and snacks at Browne & Co before heading over to Tilley Pond Park in downtown Darien for an all ages storytime featuring Darien Library's new bike, Spokey. Free. 

West Avenue and Lakeside Avenue,  203-655-1234

Book Into Movie Club—Fairfield
Tuesdays, July 5th-August 16th, 2016
Teens are invited to Fairfield Library to read the original books, and then debate the merits of various film adaptations including The 5th Wave, The NeverEnding Story, The Martian, and more. Pizza and snacks will be provided. Free. Preregistation required.

1080 Old Post Road,  203-256-3155

R.E.A.D. to a Dog—Greenwich
Wednesdays, July 13th-27th, 2016
This nationwide program comes to Byram Shubert Library and gives kids a chance to practice their reading as they share a book with a four legged friend. Free. 

21 Mead Avenue, 203-531-0426

Harry Potter Midnight Release Party—Norwalk
July 30th, 2016
Norwalk Library is pulling out all the stops to celebrate the publication of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Kids will have an opportunity to play Quidditch, make a wand, mix a potion, and pay tribute to the joy of reading J.K. Rowling's magical series. (Books will be available for purchase, but no purchase is required.) Free. Preregistration required.

1 Belden Avenue, 203-899-2780

Get Pop Cultured: Manga—Stamford
July 16th, 2016
If your tween is anything like mine, it's hard to get between him and his computer screen, but his eyes will generally flutter open in the direction of manga and graphic novels. Camilla d'Errico, creator of the Tanpopo and other books will be appearing at Barnes and Noble for creative activities, cosplay, giveaways, and more. Free. 

100 Greyrock Place, 203-323-1248

Evening Family Storytime—Stamford
Thursdays, July 14th-August 11th, 2016
On Thursday evenings, Ferguson Library invites children ages 3 to 8 to join them for stories, songs and activities the whole family will enjoy! Free. 

1 Public Library Plaza, 203-964-1000

A Midsummer's Night Dream—West Redding
July 15th-16th, 2016
Experience the magic of Shakespeare outdoors in this production featuring middle school actors on the grounds at New Pond Farm. Free but donations are welcome. Reservations recommended.

101 Marchant Avenue, 203-938-2117

Story Time at Longshore—Westport 
Thursdays, July 7th-August 18th, 2016
Join the children's librarians from Westport Library for a beachside, all ages story time--no beach sticker required! Free. 

260 South Compo Road, 203-291-4810

StoryWalk—Westport 
July 13th-August 31st, 2016
Westport Library introduces StoryWalk, which gives children of all ages a chance to read a story and to take a walk at the same time. Stroll along the Saugatuck River and enjoy the beautiful views while you discover each page in the story. There is a guided tour on Monday, July 18th. Otherwise, the self-guided walk is available daily whenever the park is open. Free. 

20 Jesup Road, 203-291-4800

American Girl: Lea to the Rescue—Wilton
July 28th, 2016
Sure, the dolls are lots of fun, but have your kids dicovered the joy of the American Girl books? Introduce them to Lea, the 2016 American Girl of the year via this fun, free movie at Wilton Library. Free. 

137 Old Ridgefield Road, 203-762-3950

 

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