Southbury Public Library will be closed Monday, May 29, 2023.

Southbury Public Library will be closed Monday, May 29, 2023 in observance of Memorial Day.

Summer Reading

A blue slide with the text "Summer Reading June 10-August 4! Find Your Voice! Featuring events, prize raffles, and more for Pre-K to Grade 12!" and an illustration of children dancing

Summer Reading 2023: June 10 through August 4!

Summer Reading 2023 starts on Saturday, June 10 and runs through Friday, August 4! Join us for reading rewards, special events, and more! Our theme this year is "Find Your Voice!"

On Paper and Online:

All parts of summer reading (registration, time tracking, and raffle tickets) are available both in person and online this year. Once you register and Summer Reading has begun, you can keep track of your reading on a paper log or virtually. You can also mix-and-match between paper and virtual logging depending on what works better for you and your family.

Pre-Registration Online: You can pre-register on Beanstack starting on June 1! You still can't begin tracking your time read until the official start of Summer Reading on June 10, but you'll be able to get signing up out of the way early. In-person registration begins on the first day of Summer Reading on June 10. Once Summer Reading has begun, you can register either in person or online.

Paper tracking works by keeping track of your time read on a reading log. You then bring your log in to get your stickers or raffle tickets. Online Summer Reading gives you the option to log your time or get virtual raffle tickets through Beanstack. If you also sign up for the online version, you can still log on paper and/or collect paper tickets if you prefer (and vice versa).

Why use the online summer reading?

  • If you have a ton of tickets to fill out at one time, it can be easier than writing them all out by hand.
  • Going on vacation? You can enter in your raffle tickets from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
  • You can’t lose your summer reading log.
  • You might like virtual time logging and find it easier than the paper version.
  • It does the math for you—13 minutes there, 75 minutes there, it will add it all up into hours.

You can use Beanstack as a website or an app, and use it along side of the paper version of summer reading if you'd like to (examples: you can log your time virtually and come in person to get paper tickets, or just use the online version for when you are on vacation, etc.)

How do you register for Summer Reading? 

  • Register in person at the library anytime during our open hours on or after Saturday, June 10, or
  • Online via the BeanStack App (Apple App Store or Google Play Store for Androids) on our after Thursday, June 1, or
  • Online via the BeanStack Website on or after Thursday, June 1

Read on to find out more about our Summer Reading Program, raffles, events, and more!

Summer Reading 2023 Rules

Once Summer Reading begins on Saturday, June 10, you can start counting your time read as soon as you are signed up! You can track your reading on a paper log from the library, OR through the BeanStack App or Website, regardless of which way you register.

For your summer reading goals, any type of reading counts (regular books, ebooks, listening to audiobooks, magazines, school book reading, reading out loud to someone else, etc.)

Hours only count once you register for Summer Reading, so we recommended registering ASAP! You can enter in your times as often as you like. All entries must be received by Friday, August 4, 2023. No exceptions made. Paper ticket entries are due by 5pm on Friday, August 4 while virtual ticket entries are due by 11:59pm on Friday, August 4.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library.

Age Groups

Children entering Kindergarten and younger may participate in our Pre-K Summer Reading Program. Read every day with a parent or caregiver! Keep track of the days you read and get a sticker for each day read. To log your reading, you can get a paper log or track your reading on our new and improved Summer Reading Software, Beanstack!

You can also participate in 1000 Books Before Kindergarten alongside our Pre-K Summer Reading Program! For every book you read, get one sticker! If you read all 1000 books, you get a Completion Certificate and you can get your picture put on our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Wall of Fame!

Each and every book you read counts. If you read the same book over and over, it counts each time! To log your reading, enter each title you read on a paper log you pick up from the library, or on Beanstack (the virtual 1000 Books Before Kindergarten will remain up all year round on Beanstack, so you can continue using it in the fall and beyond if you'd like).

Happy Reading!

Children entering Grades 1-5 may participate in our Children's Summer Reading Program. Read as much as you can this summer! 1 hour read = 1 raffle ticket for different prizes! The more you read, the more entries you have to win one of our big prize drawings at the end! Keep track of how much time you read in minutes or hours and log it on your paper log or online through BeanStack, our new and improved online Summer Reading program. You can then submit your tickets either in person as paper tickets, or online as virtual tickets. Each hour you read also gets you an hourly bead with our new Read for Beads program!

Hourly Raffle

Once you register for summer reading, keep track of your time reading! Like years past, for every hour you read, you earn one raffle ticket.

This year, you can register and keep track of your hours in person OR online! We'll have paper logs like years past, but you can also try BeanStack (which is a lot easier to use than last year's software). Either way, your access to prizes is the same! We'll have both physical and virtual raffle tickets for the same prizes.

All paper tickets are due by 5pm on Friday, August 4, 2023. Virtual tickets are due by 11:59pm on Friday, August 4, 2023.

Read for Beads

We are excited to introduce Read for Beads to our participants in grades 1-5! When you register, pick up your necklace and Brag Tag from the children's circulation desk. During summer reading, you can choose a bead for every hour you read. Add them to your necklace and watch your bead collection grow!

Scavenger Hunt

Join in for our 2023 Summer Reading Scavenger Hunt! 20 book characters have gone camping throughout the teen and children's department! Can you find them for a chance to win a $75 Amazon Gift Card? 

Find 1 (or all 20) characters hidden upstairs in the Southbury Public Library. For every character you find upstairs, get a chance to win a $75 Amazon Gift Card! Fill out a raffle ticket with the name of a character and where you found them. Tickets are on the round Summer Reading Table in the Teen Department.

As a part of our Children & Teen Summer Reading Program, this is open to residents of any town in Grades 1-12! To participate, you have to register for Summer Reading. To register and find out more about this and more, stop by the Second Floor Circulation Desk.

Events

See below for our Children and Teen summer reading events, or click here for a list of just children's summer reading events. All of our programs are in person this year. Unless otherwise noted, registration is required.

Happy Reading!

Tweens and teens entering Grades 6-12 (or Class of 2023 12th Grade graduates) can participate in our Teen Summer Reading Program! You can earn raffle tickets towards weekly gift card prizes with your time read, join us for fun in person events, or participate in our library scavenger hunt! 

Hourly Raffle

Once you register for summer reading, keep track of your time reading! Like years past, for every hour you read, you earn one raffle ticket. Enter your tickets each week for the chance to win one of the $25 gift card prizes below. Don't like one week's prize? Save your tickets for a week you're interested in! All submitted tickets are entered in for the Grand Prize $125 Visa Gift Card, drawn on Friday, August 4.

This year, you can register and keep track of your hours in person OR online! We'll have paper logs like years past, but you can also try BeanStack. Either way, your access to prizes is the same! We'll have both physical and virtual raffle tickets for the same prizes. Winners will be drawn the following week and notified.

Prize Schedule:

  • Friday, June 16: $25 Starbucks Gift Card   
  • Friday, June 23: $25 Game Store Gift Card (Winner’s Choice of Playstation, XBox, Steam, or Nintendo eStore)
  • Friday, June 30: $25 Riverview Cinemas Gift Card    
  • Friday, July 7: $25 Annie’s Nail Salon   
  • Friday, July 14: $25 Target Gift Card    
  • Friday, July 21: $25 Ulta Gift Card
  • Friday, July 28: $25 Rich’s Farm Gift Card
  • Friday, August 4: $25 Amazon Gift Card    
  • Friday, August 4: Teen Grand Prize: $125 Visa Gift Card

All submitted tickets go into the Grand Prize, a $125 Visa Gift Card. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023.

Scavenger Hunt

Join in for our 2023 Summer Reading Scavenger Hunt! 20 book characters have gone camping throughout the teen and children's department! Can you find them for a chance to win a $75 Amazon Gift Card? 

Find 1 (or all 20) characters hidden upstairs in the Southbury Public Library. For every character you find upstairs in the Southbury Public Library, get a chance to win a $75 Amazon Gift Card! Fill out a raffle ticket with the name of a character and where you found them. Tickets are on the round Summer Reading Table in the Teen Department.

As a part of our Children & Teen Summer Reading Programs, this is open to residents of any town in Grades 1-12! To participate, you have to register for Summer Reading. To register and find out more about this and more, stop by the Second Floor Circulation Desk or go online to southburylibrary.beanstack.com.

Events

See below for our Children and Teen summer reading events, or click here for a list of just teen summer reading events. All of our programs are in person this year. Unless otherwise noted, registration is required.
 

Summer Reading Events

Open House Make or Take Craft

All Day
Children
Library Branch: Southbury Public Library
Room: Upstairs
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Summer Reading
Event Details:
Stop by the Youth Services department on Saturdays for our Open House Make or Take Craft. Make it here or bring home everything you'll need to make a fun and exciting thematic paper craft. Appropriate for all ages. Young children may need assistance....

Summer Reading Begins!

All Day
Children, Teens
Library Branch: Southbury Public Library
Room: Upstairs
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Summer Reading
Event Details:
Summer Reading begins on Saturday, June 10 and runs through Friday, August 4! Join us for reading rewards, special events, and more! Our theme this year is "Find Your Voice!" For each age group, participate in a reading challenge, special events, ...

Summer Reading Kickoff Family Storytime

11:00am - 11:30am
Children
Cancelled
Library Branch: Southbury Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Storytimes, Summer Reading
Event Details:
Come kick off Summer Reading with a special family storytime!  We will share some stories and songs together. Parents and older siblings are encouraged to join in for this family event. All ages welcome. No registration required. This program...

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

Drop-In Storytime

10:00am - 10:30am
Children
Library Branch: Southbury Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Storytimes, Summer Reading
Event Details:
Join us every Monday morning in the Storytime room for drop-in storytimes at 10am and 11am. We'll share books, rhymes, and songs and end with a simple paper craft. Craft materials are available to be picked up in the library while supplies last. A...

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

Drop-In Storytime

11:00am - 11:30am
Children
Library Branch: Southbury Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Storytimes, Summer Reading
Event Details:
Join us every Monday morning in the Storytime room for drop-in storytimes at 10am and 11am. We'll share books, rhymes, and songs and end with a simple paper craft. Craft materials are available to be picked up in the library while supplies last. A...

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

Let's Make Oobleck! Science with Dr. Seuss

4:30pm - 5:30pm
Children
Registration
Library Branch: Southbury Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: STEM/STEAM, Summer Reading
Registration Required
Event Details:
Inspired by Dr. Seuss' Bartholomew and The Oobleck, we will be conducting a science experiment and creating the mysterious green substance known as Oobleck, which has both solid and liquid properties!  That is, if you pour it or dip your fi...

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

Open House Make or Take Craft

All Day
Children
Library Branch: Southbury Public Library
Room: Upstairs
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Summer Reading
Event Details:
Stop by the Youth Services department on Saturdays for our Open House Make or Take Craft. Make it here or bring home everything you'll need to make a fun and exciting thematic paper craft. Appropriate for all ages. Young children may need assistance....

Drop-In Storytime

10:00am - 10:30am
Children
Library Branch: Southbury Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Storytimes, Summer Reading
Event Details:
Join us every Monday morning in the Storytime room for drop-in storytimes at 10am and 11am. We'll share books, rhymes, and songs and end with a simple paper craft. Craft materials are available to be picked up in the library while supplies last. A...

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

Drop-In Storytime

11:00am - 11:30am
Children
Library Branch: Southbury Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Storytimes, Summer Reading
Event Details:
Join us every Monday morning in the Storytime room for drop-in storytimes at 10am and 11am. We'll share books, rhymes, and songs and end with a simple paper craft. Craft materials are available to be picked up in the library while supplies last. A...

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

2022 Region 15 Suggested Summer Reading Lists

Our 2023 Summer Reading Lists will be coming soon, but in the meantime you can check out last year's lists!

Your librarians and teachers have put together suggested reading lists to give you some reading recommendations over the summer. There's something for everyone, including classic and new titles! Take a look and see what books interest you.

Region 15 does not have a recreational reading list for high schoolers this year, though we are very happy to help you find books that will interest you. For class-specific assignments at Pomperaug High School, please visit your Google Classroom page. If you are having difficulty accessing what you need, contact PHS's guidance department at 203-262-3238.

Find everything you'll need for the 2022 Governor's Summer Reading Challenge, including a summer reading journal, student certificate, and suggested reading lists for grades K-12.