WELCOME TO SUMMER READING!
JUMP TO:
- What is Summer Reading?
- Summer Reading at your Libraries
- Catskill Public Library Program
- Palenville Branch Library Program
What is Summer Reading?
Every year, public libraries across the United States hold programs to encourage children to read throughout July and August. These programs are designed to combat the “summer slide” that happens when children lose some of the learning progress gained during the school year. Children can lose up to TWO MONTHS of reading and math progress over summer break.
It is important to encourage active reading throughout the summer so that children are set up for success for the upcoming school year.
Summer Reading at your Libraries
The Catskill Public Library and Palenville Branch Library are running two, free Summer Reading programs during Summer 2025.
Registration for welcome kits and activities is required unless otherwise stated.
2025 Summer Reading registration begins Sunday, June 15th in both libraries and will remain open through August.
To view all 2025 Summer Reading activities on our calendar of events, CLICK HERE.
Check below to see what our libraries have planned!
Catskill Public Library
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REGISTRATION
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PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE
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SPECIAL EVENTS
To register for Catskill’s 2025 Summer Reading Program, please CLICK HERE.
All registrations for the 2025 Summer Reading at Catskill, including for the welcome bags and in-person activities can be made in the following ways:
- Over the phone by calling the Catskill Public Library at (518) 943-4230
- In-person at the Catskill Public Library circulation desk
- Online via registration links.
- Registration links will be posted to the website calendar of events. There will be instructions on the event listings on how to use the registration program: Sign Up Genius. Please read the instructions carefully.
Registration for 2025 Summer Reading opens on Sunday, June 15th and will remain open until Saturday, August 16th!
Everyone who registers will get:
- A brochure with the full summer calendar & event info
- Reading logs
- Goodies
ALSO, everyone who registers will get to choose their READING RACE TEAM. Fill up your reading logs to earn prizes AND get your team further in the race!
Welcome kits are available for pick-up at the Youth Room circulation desk starting Monday, June 30th.
Unless otherwise stated, pre-registration is required for each program. Please check the intended age in the program description to make sure it is right for your child!
Click on the program titles to be taken to their descriptions and registration links on our calendar!
June 30th – July 5th: Welcome Week
During open business hours
Pick up your Calendar, Reading Logs & pick your Reading Race Team!
July 7th – July 12th
Mon, 7/07: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM, Teen Time
Wed, 7/09: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM, Comics with Mat Heagerty
Fri, 7/11: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Story Time @ Catskill
July 14th – July 18th
Mon, 7/14: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM, Clay-stations with Padma Rajendran
Wed, 7/16: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Tic-Tac-Toe with Padma Rajendran
Fri, 7/18: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Story Time! @ Thomas Cole House
July 21st – July 26th
Mon, 7/21: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM, Teen Time
Wed, 7/23: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM, Messy Art Day
Fri, 7/25: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Story Time @ Catskill
July 28th – August 1st
Mon, 7/28: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM, Cardboard Suncatchers
Wed, 7/30: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM, Cardboard Aquariums
Fri, 8/01: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Story Time! @ Beattie-Powers Place
August 4th – August 8th
Mon, 8/04: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM, Teen Time
Wed, 8/06: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM, Paint Wooden Snakes
Fri, 8/08: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Story Time!
August 11th – August 15th
Tues, 8/12: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Paper Sculptures with Andrés San Millán
Wed, 8/13: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM, Hudson Valley Reptile Rescue
Fri, 8/15: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Story Time!
Museum of Innovation & Science Fieldtrip
15 Museum Drive, Schenectady, NY 12308
(518) 382-7890
July 22nd, 11 AM – 5 PM
The Catskill Public Library is putting on a FREE field trip to the Museum of Innovation & Science!
Jani Poppins Bubble Party
Dutchman’s Landing Park, Catskill, NY 12414
July 31st, 1 PM – 3 PM
We’re welcoming Jani Poppins Bubble Parties and DJ Todd back to Catskill!
Palenville Branch Library
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REGISTRATION
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PROGRAMMING
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SPECIAL EVENTS
To register for Palenville’s 2025 Summer Reading Program, please CLICK HERE.
All registrations for the 2025 Summer Reading at Palenville, including for the welcome bags, craft packs, and in-person activities can be made in the following ways:
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- Over the phone by calling the Palenville Branch Library at (518) 678-3357
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- In-person at the Palenville Branch Library circulation desk
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- Online via registration links.
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- Registration links will be posted to the website calendar of events and on the Palenville Branch Library Facebook page. There will be instructions on the event listings on how to use the registration program: Sign Up Genius. Please read the instructions carefully.
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- Online via registration links.
The Palenville Branch Library is offering weekly “take and make” craft packs for children during July and August. Craft packs may be picked up during regular business hours.
Weekly hands-on, in-person activities will also be offered twice a week. Please pay close attention to the specific days and times of each activity! Participants may come any time during the listed hours!
Click on the program titles to be taken to their descriptions and registration links on our calendar!
June 30th – July 5th: Welcome Week
During open business hours
Pick up your Welcome Bag jam-packed with goodies and make your way through all the entertaining stations of fun that will be set up.
July 7th – July 12th
Craft Pack: Paint Splat Lantern
In-person Activity: Starry Night Slime
July 8th @ 12 PM – 3 PM
July 10th @ 3 PM – 6 PM
July 14th – July 19th
Craft Pack: Crayon Color of Money Bank
In-person Activity: Sand Art Pen & Necklace
July 15th @ 12 PM – 3 PM
July 17th @ 3 PM – 6 PM
July 21st – 26th
Craft Pack: Light as AIR DRY CLAY Luminary
In-person Activity: Air Dry Clay Caterpillar & Cupcake Decorating
July 22nd @ 12 PM – 3 PM
July 24th @ 3 PM – 6 PM
July 28th – August 2nd
Craft Pack: Vincent Van GNOME
In-person Activity: Pop Art Stained Glass Owl
July 29th @ 12 PM – 3 PM
July 31st @ 3 PM – 6 PM
August 4th – August 9th
Craft Pack: BEAD Happy Sculpture
In-person Activity: Bear Wearing Beret Sewing Plushie
August 5th @ 12 PM – 3 PM
August 7th @ 3 PM – 6 PM
August 11th – August 16th
Craft Pack: Rainbow Pom Pom Painting (ages 2-8) OR Mountains Pom Pom Painting (ages 9 and up)
In-person Activity: Ice Cream Sundae Party & Make a Silicone Charm Bracelet
August 12th @ 12 PM – 3 PM
August 14th @ 3 PM – 6 PM
August 16th @ 10:30 AM – 1 PM
Bailiwick Animal Park Visit
118 Castle Rd, Catskill, NY 12414
(518) 678-5665
August 13th, 10 AM – 3 PM
Meet us at the Bailiwick Animal Park! Free admission for up to a family of four. Conditions apply.
