guides

Summer Story Times and Reading Programs for Kids in Greater Binghamton

We've compiled a list of programs offered by local libraries and book stores this summer!

By Kate Fletcher, Macaroni KID Binghamton Publisher June 25, 2024

Summer is here, and with it comes a chance to explore new worlds, embark on thrilling quests, and unravel captivating mysteries – all from the comfort of your favorite chair! Local libraries and bookstores are gearing up for another exciting season of Summer Reading Programs, offering a treasure trove of opportunities for children, teens, and adults alike to keep their minds engaged and their imaginations soaring.

The best part? These fantastic programs are completely free! Whether you're a seasoned bookworm or just rediscovering the joy of reading, there's something for everyone. Get ready to earn fantastic prizes just for turning the pages!

Thank you to Tier Pediatrics for sponsoring this guide!
Our valued sponsors like Tier Pediatrics keep Macaroni KID Binghamton a free and useful resource for families.


Broome County Public Library (Binghamton, NY)
BCPL's Summer Reading Program for children of all ages runs June 17-August 3. Pick up a reading log at the library. Return completed logs by August 17 to be eligible for prizes. LEARN MORE
WEEKLY PROGRAMS (July 8-August 17)
๐Ÿ“š Family Story Time in the Garden or BCPL Children's Room at 11:30am on Mondays and 2pm on Tuesdays
๐Ÿงต Crafty Kids: 10am-12pm on Tuesdays
๐Ÿง‘ Teen Outdoor Days: 3-4:30pm on Wednesdays
โญ Tween Wednesdays: 2pm on Wednesdays
๐Ÿฟ Family Movie Days: 2pm on Thursdays
๐Ÿข Drop In LEGO Club: 1-4pm on Fridays (ages 2+)
๐Ÿพ Drop In Scavenger Hunt: 9am-4pm on Saturdays
SPECIAL EVENTS
July 8: Great and Powerful Dave Magic Show
July 25: Didgeridoo Down Under
August 13: Under the Sea Party


Fenton Free Library (Binghamton, NY)
Register for Fenton Free Library's Summer Reading Program beginning July 10, 2024 at 10:30am. LEARN MORE
WEEKLY PROGRAMS
๐Ÿ“š Story Time Wednesdays at 10:30am (at various destinations around Binghamton)


Vestal Public Library (Vestal, NY)
The Vestal Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge for children of all ages runs from June 24-Aug. 16. Pick up a reading log at the library and return it by Aug. 24 to be eligible for prizes and raffle. LEARN MORE
WEEKLY PROGRAMS
๐ŸŽ Little Learners for ages 0-5 on Mondays from 10-11:30am and 4-5:30pm (July 8-August 12)
๐Ÿ“š Story Time at Arnold Park for all ages on Thursdays at 10:30am (July 11-August 15)
๐Ÿงช Elementary STEAM for ages 5-11 on Wednesdays from 1-2pm and 6-7pm (July 10-August 14) *Registration Required
๐ŸŽ’ Teen Events for ages 12-18 on Thursdays at 5:30pm (July 11-August 15) *Registration Required


Your Home Public Library (Johnson City, NY)
Your Home Public Library's Summer Reading Program for all ages runs June 24-Aug. 16. Pick up a reading log at the library OR sign up online. LEARN MORE
WEEKLY PROGRAMS (July 9-August 13)
๐Ÿ“š Preschool Story Time at CFJ Park at 10am on Tuesdays and at the library at 1pm on Tuesdays


George F. Johnson Memorial Library (Endicott, NY)
You can sign up for GFJ Library's Summer Reading Program beginning June 17, 2024. Completed road maps should be returned to the library between August 12-30, 2024 to be eligible for prizes. GFJ Library will be hosting dozens of special events this summer. LEARN MORE
WEEKLY PROGRAMS
๐Ÿ“š Story TimeJuly 8-August 9
Ages 0-2: 10am or 11am Wednesdays at GFJ Library (registration required)
Ages 2-5: 10am Tuesdays at GWJ Park & 10am Thursdays at Highland Park


Mary L. Wilcox Memorial Library (Whitney Point, NY)
Mary L. Wilcox Memorial Library is offering several special events and programs happening throughout the summer. LEARN MORE 
WEEKLY PROGRAMS
๐Ÿ“š Preschool Story Time: Thursdays at 10:30am
๐ŸŽฌ Summer Movie Adventures: Wednesdays at 1pm 
๐ŸŽจ National Park Crafts: Tuesdays 1-3pm


Apalachin Library (Apalachin, NY)
You can sign up for Apalachin Library's Summer Reading Program between June 22-July 8 at the library. There are also several special events and programs happening throughout the summer. LEARN MORE 
WEEKLY PROGRAMS
๐Ÿ“š Story Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30am 


Candor Free Library (Candor, NY)
Candor Free Library's Summer Reading Program kicks off July 11th with a special program. There are also several special events and programs happening throughout the summer. LEARN MORE 
WEEKLY PROGRAMS
๐Ÿ“š Story Time: Tuesdays at 10:30am 


Coburn Free Library (Owego, NY)
Coburn Free Library's Summer Reading Program for all ages runs July 1 - August 30, 2024. Register online, log your reading, and earn prizes! LEARN MORE
WEEKLY PROGRAMS
๐Ÿ“š Story Time: Wednesdays at 10:15am 


Tappan-Spaulding Memorial Library (Newark Valley, NY)
Tappan-Spaulding Memorial Library's Summer Reading Program begins on July 6, 2024. Pick up a reading log at the library or sign up online. LEARN MORE
WEEKLY PROGRAMS July 8-August 14
๐Ÿ“š Story Time Mondays at 10am at the Trout Ponds in the small pavilion - Activities for young kids (0-5) and older kids (6-12).
๐ŸŽญ Special Performances Wednesdays at 10am at the Trout Ponds large pavilion


George P. & Susan Platt Cady Library (Nichols, NY)
George P. & Susan Platt Cady Library's Summer Reading Program, for all ages, begins on July 13, 2024. LEARN MORE


Deposit Free Library (Deposit, NY)
Get a tracking sheet at the library and read to earn prizes! The challenge runs June 17- August 3, 2024. LEARN MORE


Moore Memorial Library (Greene, NY)
Join the Family Reading Challenge for the chance to win prizes! LEARN MORE


Nineveh Library (Nineveh, NY)
From June 20 - August 31, earn a bead for every 15 minutes of reading. Pick up a Time Card at the library to keep track of your minutes. LEARN MORE


Lisle Free Library (Lisle, NY)
Lisle Free Library's Summer Reading Program runs through August 31, 2024. Read your way to great prizes this summer for readers age 0 – 18 years! LEARN MORE


Afton Free Library (Afton, NY)
Afton Free Library's Summer Read & Bead Program runs July 1-29, 2024. LEARN MORE


Bainbridge Free Library (Bainbridge, NY)
Bainbridge Free Library's Summer Read & Bead Program begins June 26, 2024. LEARN MORE


Hallstead-Greatbend Library (Hallstead, PA)
Susquehanna County Library's Summer Reading Challenge is for all ages. LEARN MORE


Susquehanna Library (Susquehanna, PA)
Susquehanna County Library's Summer Reading Challenge is for all ages. LEARN MORE


Montrose Library (Montrose, NY)
Susquehanna County Library's Summer Reading Challenge is for all ages. LEARN MORE


Non-Library Summer Reading Programs
BARNES & NOBLE
Earn a free book through the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program for kids in Grades 1-6. Bring your completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between July 1 and August 31, 2024. LEARN MORE
๐Ÿ“š Story Time: Wednesdays at 11am 

PAULA'S COFFEE HOUSE BOOK CLUB
Fill out a reading log and bring it back into Paula's to receive a voucher for a free drink and food item! LEARN MORE
CHUCK E. CHEESE
Earn 10 free play points for 2 weeks of reading! LEARN MORE


So dive headfirst into a world of words this summer! With free programs, engaging activities, and the chance to win exciting prizes, it's a great way to keep your mind sharp, spark your creativity, and create lasting memories. Happy reading!


Did we miss something? Let us know!

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