Own the Night at Dormont Library

will enter a new chapter in summer reading programs with this year’s nighttime and dream-based themes.

Library Director Cindy D’Agostino said the themes have something from all ages, and she’s looking forward to seeing how children and young adults make the program work for them.

The summer theme for elementary school children is “Dream Big.”

“We’re taking it from the nighttime dreaming angle, which also could lead to dreams about their futures,” D’Agostino said.

Story times, crafts, a program about star constellations and a special visit from the Aviary’s owl are part of the program.

For young adults, the summer reading theme is “Own the Night,” and D’Agostino said that’s something teens can really have fun with.

“You can take it any direction you want,” she said. “Classics like the ‘Outsiders’ or ‘West Side Story’ are good for this, but they can really get into the whole zombie and vampires or Dracula thing.”

The program starts June 16 with a kick-off party at the library. From that point through the summer, those who want to participate can register for the program at the library.

The library will keep a log of all the books read by those registered, and for each book read the reader will be awarded a raffle ticket. At the end of the summer, prizes including coupons, gift cards and even tickets to local parks will be awarded.

D’Agostino said the library works with local schools to promote the program, but the summer reading program isn’t meant to mimic school.

“We don’t want this to be heavy-duty,” she said. “It’s summer. We like to make it fun so they can really enjoy reading.”

More details about the program, includin a full schedule of events, can be found at the Dormont Library website. Events also can be found on the Dormont-Brookline Patch events calendar.

Follow Dormont-Brookline Patch on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, sign up for our email Newsletter.