Get ready for a summer bursting with color, creativity, and captivating stories! The Fenton Free Library is thrilled to announce its "Color Our World" FREE Summer Reading Program, promising a vibrant season of literary adventures, engaging activities, and community fun from July 9 - August 27, 2025.
Begin Your Adventure on July 9!
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 9th, from 10am to 2pm, for In-Person Summer Reading Registration at the Fenton Free Library, located at 1062 Chenango Street in Binghamton.
Each registered child (up to 300 kids!) will receive a fantastic starter kit, including:
- A fun book to bring to weekly story time and craft hours
- A vibrant artist bag
- A colorful apron
- A custom "create-your-own" keychain
- A paint palette
These items are designed to complement the "Color Our World" theme and spark creativity from day one.
"Color Our World"
The Fenton Free Library's Summer Reading Program is taking its show on the road! Each week will feature a new color, connecting to a different aspect of our community, with story time held in a different local park. As an added bonus, each week at the park, children will receive a new artist item to add to their growing artist bag.
Adding a playful twist, keep an eye out for Librarian Jane and play real-life "Where's Waldo" as you try to spot her in her distinctive bright white and red striped shirt at each weekly park location.
Every park story time promises a delightful experience, featuring engaging stories, yummy snacks, fun crafts, and a themed community partner, often including fascinating vehicles for outreach and exploration!
Weekly Park Schedule (All story times at 10:30am):
- July 16: Arnold Park in Vestal (Theme: First Responders)
- July 23: Rec Park in Binghamton (Theme: Planet/Recycling)
- July 30: Nathaniel Cole Park in Harpursville (Theme: Aquatic Safety)
- August 6: Otsiningo Park in Binghamton (Theme: School/Education)
- August 13: Highland Park in Endwell (Theme: Transportation)
- August 20: Ross Park in Binghamton (Theme: Healthcare)
- August 27: EXCLUSIVE CARNIVAL - Stay tuned for details!
Read Your Way to a Giant Gumball Machine! This summer, the Fenton Free Library will be tracking reading minutes by inviting readers to fill up a giant gumball machine. For every 20 minutes read, you'll receive a special "gumball" to drop into the machine. The goal? For the entire community to work together and fill it to the brim by summer's end! It's a fun and visual way to see the impact of collective reading.
Unlock Your Ticket to the End-of-Summer Carnival Bash! Consistent participation unlocks an exclusive treat! Children who attend at least three of the six weekly story time and craft hours during the summer reading program will earn a special ticket to an exclusive end-of-summer carnival bash on August 27th.
Programs for Tweens and Teens
BOOKED Tween Club: Ages 9-13 are invited to join the free, drop-in BOOKED Tween Club, meeting on Thursdays from 11AM to 12:15 M throughout the summer (July 17 - August 28). This welcoming club offers a friendly environment for playing games, doing crafts, and learning new skills together, fostering acceptance and camaraderie.
Teens Social Club: Exciting news for teens! The Fenton Free Library will be launching a monthly teens social club starting in October. To ensure the club is exactly what local teens want, they are currently forming a Teen Advisory Board, which will meet quarterly for pizza and brainstorming sessions. Teens are strongly encouraged to provide their input on future activities by visiting https://tinyurl.com/FFLteen.
Stay Connected!
For the latest updates on youth programs, follow the Fenton Free Library on Facebook or TikTok.
For more details about these and other upcoming programs, visit the Fenton Free Library's website.
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