Over 500 Book It To New Rochelle Library Summer Reading Kickoff Party

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — If the blockbuster attendance at the library's launch party is any indication, this will be a big summer for reading in the city.

The New Rochelle Public Library launched the "All Together Now" Summer Reading Challenge with a Kickoff Party this past Saturday. Despite the rain, which required the event to be moved indoors, over 500 children, teens and adults attended the party.

Over 300 children and teens signed up to participate in the Summer Reading Challenge, a program of the NYS Education Department and the NYS Library, designed to advance literacy and maintain reading skill levels during the summer months. This year's theme, "All Together Now," focuses on friendship, kindness, inclusion and diversity. Children received a goody bag, a summer reading game board, and a free book of their choice. Teens received free books and raffle tickets for an end-of-summer giveaway.

In addition, attendees had the opportunity to meet and take fun photos with beloved book characters Elephant and Piggie, and make a craft to take home.

"We are thrilled to see such a tremendous response to our Summer Reading Kickoff Party," Robert Simic, Head of Children’s Services, said. "Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the event was a huge success, and we are grateful to the community for their enthusiastic support. We invite children to continue to sign up for the program and join us for a summer filled with engaging and creative activities that promote a love for reading and learning."

It's not too late for children, tweens and teens to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge. They can do so by stopping by the Main Library or the Huguenot Children's Library during regular hours, or registering online by downloading the READSquared app (available in the Google Play Store and the App Store) or signing up here.

The "All Together Now" summer kickoff party was made possible with support from the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library.

The library says that it will be hosting a wide range of activities and events each weekday at both branches to bring children and their families together for reading and enrichment programs. These activities will include musical performances, craft programs, storytimes, puppet shows, and more, catering to different age groups. There will also be three special "Summer Sings" concerts for children ages two and up on Saturdays, July 15, 29 and August 12, at 11 a.m.