Every year, the Dobbs Ferry Library joins libraries around the world encouraging kids to read during their school break. Kids ages 3 to 12 are eligible for our children’s summer reading game. Kids below the age of 3 are encouraged to sign up for our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge.
How to Sign Up
Visit the Children’s Room (or the front desk, if the librarian isn’t there) to sign up for the Summer Reading Game. Receive a folder with everything you need to get started: reading logs, stickers, booklists, bookmarks, and more!
Track Your Reading
On your paint palette-shaped reading log, add a sticker to one of the empty star-shaped spaces for every 20 minutes or 20 pages that you read. For every eight stickers that you add to fill up a single color of paint, you can get a prize from Ms. Gina’s treasure chest! When you finish the whole sheet, you will receive a certificate of completion and a prize from a local business like The Pod.
Read the Rainbow Challenge
For an additional prize, you can do the Read the Rainbow Challenge, included in your summer reading folder! Read one book that represents each color in the rainbow, then write down the titles and authors. It could have a cover that’s mostly one color, a color in the title or author’s name, or even be about something associated with a color (like a sad book is “blue” and a nature book is “green”). When you finish, come to the library to claim a rainbow fidget toy or 3D print.
What are some of the events I should attend?
You can check our calendar for a full listing of events but a list of highlights is below. Registration is required for all of the following programs! Email childrens@dobbsferrylibrary.org to sign up.
- Wednesday, 6/18 @ 3pm: Summer Reading Kickoff (Community Room, all ages). Add to a community mural that will be displayed in the library gallery all summer! Local partners to be announced.
- Monday to Friday, 6/23 – 6/27 @ 12-4pm: Drop-In Craft Station (Children’s Room, all ages). Looking for something to do as school ends? Swing by to make a craft in the chlidren’s room from some of our many materials!
- Tuesday, 7/1 @ 4pm: Stuffie Sleepover (Lounge, all ages). Bring in a stuffed animal for a super-special storytime and art project. Then, leave them at the library for an overnight adventure! You’ll get a scrapbook of photos when you pick up your stuffie in the morning.
- Thursdays, 7/3, 7/31, and 8/14 @10:30am: Arts & Crafts for Toddlers & Preschoolers (Community Room, ages 2-4). Join us for an assortment of art-themed storytimes and projects, like sensory painting and tissue box monsters!
- Tuesday-Thursday, 7/8-7/10 @ 4pm: D&D Dungeon Master Academy (Community Room, ages 8-18). Learn to run your own D&D game with our expert volunteer, Alex Peck!
- Monday, 7/14 @ 4pm: Learn to Make Zines (Community Room, ages 8-12). Join volunteer Marta to fashion your own zines on a topic of your choice!
- Thursday, 7/17 @ 10:30am: Spin Art at the Keeper’s House (15 Walnut Street, ages 3+). Take a field trip to the Keeper’s House on Walnut Street to make art with spinning, splattering paint!
- Tuesday, 7/22 @ 4pm: Vegetable Art with Gardening & More (Community Room, ages 3+). Use everyday food items from your garden (or the grocery store) to create masterpieces with our local expert Sara Sellitti from organization Gardening & More.
- Tuesday, 7/29 @ 4pm: Learn to Draw a Comic with Becky Pitts (Community Room, ages 6-10). Put your graphic novel skills to the test with local author Becky Pitts!
- Wednesday, 8/6 @ 4:15pm: Draw Manga with Paige Monte (Community Room, ages 10-18). Love manga or anime? Learn to make art inspired by it with local art teacher Paige Monte, a FerryCon favorite!
- Thursday, 8/7 @ 3pm: Field Day at the Keeper’s House (15 Walnut Street, ages 3+). Race, play outdoor games, and more on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail at Walnut Street.
- Friday, 8/15 at 2pm: Outdoor Finale Party (Community Room/Plaza, all ages). Design a new cover for your favorite book while snacking at our sundae bar!
Springhurst Summer Reading Lists
If you’re looking for the Dobbs Ferry School District’s reading lists, you can find them below:
• Springhurst suggested reading list, grades 1 & 2 (TBD)
• Springhurst suggested reading list, grades 3 & 4 (TBD)
• Springhurst suggested reading list, grade 5 (TBD)
I have a question and/or I need help! Who should I contact?
Stop by the children’s room Monday-Friday to speak to Ms. Gina, call (914) 693-6615, or email her at childrens@dobbsferrylibrary.org.
Summer Reading Sponsors
We couldn’t make any of this happen without our fantastic sponsors! Special thanks go to the Friends of the Dobbs Ferry Library, who make programs like this one happen, and to The Pod.