Summer Reading 2023 - Programs - Queens Public Library

Programs

These are just some of our wonderful Summer Reading programs!
Visit the QPL Calendar to see a complete list.

ALL TOGETHER NOW! LET’S BUILD! (IN-PERSON)

Let’s all build something together!! Children ages 6+ will use boxes, legos, newspapers and other materials to create towns, cities and castles! The only limit is your imagination!

Mondays, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
2:30pm
North Hills
57-04 Marathon Parkway

MAKERSPACE MONDAY FOR TEENS (IN-PERSON)

Join us at the Woodside Library in a space created for you to engage in your creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills and discover books available to you at your local library!

Mondays, July 3, 10, 17, 24
4pm
Woodside
54-22 Skillman Avenue

STORYTIME (IN-PERSON)

Stories, songs and rhymes for babies, toddlers and their caregivers. View all of our upcoming Storytime programs on our calendar.

Fridays, June 30; July 7, 14, 21, 28
Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26
10:30am
Bellerose
250-06 Hillside Avenue

Fridays, June 30; July 7, 14, 21, 28
10:30am
Kew Gardens Hills
72-33 Vleigh Place, Flushing

Saturdays, July 1, 15, 22
10:30am
Woodhaven
85-41 Forest Parkway

Saturdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19
10:30am
Seaside
116-15 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Rockaway Park

Mondays, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
11am
Rochdale Village
169-09 137 Avenue, Jamaica

Mondays, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26
Fridays, July 7, 14, 21, 28
11am
Mitchell-Linden
31-32 Union Street, Flushing

Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26
10:15am
Arverne
312 Beach 54 Street

Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26
10:15am
Astoria
14-01 Astoria Boulevard

Fridays, July 7, 14, 21, 28
10:30am
Glendale
78-60 73 Place

Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26
10:30am
Windsor Park
79-50 Bell Boulevard

Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26
10:30am
Central Library
89-11 Merrick Boulevard

Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26
10:30am
Queens Village
94-11 217 Street

Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26
Fridays, July 7, 14, 21, 28
11am
Hollis
202-05 Hillside Avenue

Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26
11am
Queensboro Hill
60-05 Main Street

Wednesday, July 5
11am
Corona
38-23 104 Street

Wednesdays, July 12, 19, 26
10:30am
Richmond Hill
118-14 Hillside Avenue

BASQUIAT BOOK COVER (IN-PERSON)

We will create a cover of our favorite book with materials and ideas inspired by the American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. If you don’t have a book cover in mind, feel free to make a collage based on whatever you wish. The materials that you will use to create your book cover are similar to ones that Basquiat would have used in his art pieces.

Wednesdays, July 5, 12
2pm
Cambria Heights
218-13 Linden Boulevard

Friday, July 7
4pm
Arverne
312 Beach 54 Street

Tuesday, July 11
3pm
Pomonok
158-21 Jewel Avenue

Tuesdays, July 11, 18, 25
1pm
St. Albans
191-05 Linden Boulevard

Tuesday, July 11
3:30pm
Seaside
116-15 Rockaway Beach Boulevard

Thursday, July 13
2:30pm
Rochdale Village
169-09 137 Avenue

Thursday, July 20
2pm
Ozone Park
92-24 Rockaway Boulevard

Thursday, July 20
4:30pm
Rego Park
91-41 63 Drive

Friday, July 21
2pm
Maspeth
69-70 Grand Avenue

Tuesday, July 25
3pm
Queens Village
94-11 217 Street

PAJAMA STORYTIME (IN-PERSON)

Join us as we share our favorite read-aloud books. Feel free to wear your most comfy and cozy pajamas! Don’t forget your favorite stuffed friend. For families with young children. View all of our upcoming Pajama Storytime programs on our calendar.

Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26
6:30pm
Glen Oaks
256-04 Union Turnpike

Thursdays, July 13, 27
6pm
Queens Village
94-11 217 Street

Thursdays, July 13, 20, 27
6:30pm
Bellerose
250-06 Hillside Avenue

LITTLE SCIENTISTS (IN-PERSON)

Come join us in studying all aspects of science, including DNA, space and physics.

Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27
2pm
Hollis
202-05 Hillside Avenue

EXTRAORDINARY KINDNESS: STORY READING AND CRAFT (IN-PERSON)

Celebrate this year’s Summer Reading’s theme, All Together Now, with a story reading about the values of kindness. We will also do an engaging craft activity, which will enable children to remember what they learned and create art out of it. View all of our upcoming Extraordinary Kindness programs on our calendar.

Thursday, July 6
2pm
Arverne
312 Beach 54 Street

Wednesday, July 12
11:30am
Seaside
116-15 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Rockaway Park

Thursday, July 13
4:30pm
Richmond Hill
118-14 Hillside Avenue

TEEN TABLE TOP ROLE PLAYING GAMES (TTRPGS) (IN-PERSON)

Join us to play a new one-shot RPG using a variety of different systems. (And who knows, maybe some D&D if we feel like it!) No previous experience is needed. Dice will be provided, but if you can also bring your own!

Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27
2pm
Flushing
41-17 Main Street

DESIGNS AROUND THE WORLD (IN-PERSON)

Travel the world with this fun art series! Each week we will explore a different textile design technique from around the world. Make kente cloth patterns from Ghana, Aboriginal dot paintings from Australia, Indian block prints, and more! For ages 8-12. Supplies are limited. First come, first served.

Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27
2pm
Flushing
41-17 Main Street

FIERO CODING (IN-PERSON)

Learn to code with Fiero! For ages 10+. Create games, gain valuable skills, and practice logic, problem-solving, and math. Children will keep their minds sharp over the summer with their active participation in this enjoyable and challenging activity. View all of our upcoming Fiero Code programs on our calendar.

Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27
3pm
Corona
38-23 104 Street

Fridays, July 7, 14, 21, 28
2:30pm
North Hills
57-04 Marathon Parkway

Mondays, July 10, 17, 24, 31
2:30pm
Ridgewood
20-12 Madison Street

Mondays, July 10, 17, 24, 31
11am
Fresh Meadows
193-20 Horace Harding Expressway

Mondays, July 10, 17, 24, 31
3pm
Briarwood
85-12 Main Street

Tuesdays, July 11, 18, 25
10:30am
Jackson Heights
35-51 81 Street

Tuesdays, July 11, 18, 25
2pm
Glen Oaks
256-04 Union Turnpike

SCIENCE EVERYWHERE! (IN-PERSON)

Science is all around us! Kids, ages 5-12, can explore the world through hands-on activities and experiments, stories, creative arts & crafts projects. Supplies may be limited. View all of our upcoming Science Everywhere programs on our calendar.

Hunters Point Library Environmental Center programming is made possible by the Newtown Creek Environmental Benefit Fund, administered by City Parks Foundation and funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27
4pm
Hunters Point
47-40 Center Boulevard

MAKER MONDAY S.T.E.A.M. ACTIVITIES (IN-PERSON)

Join Glen Oaks Library for STEAM (Science, Technology, English, Art and Math) challenges this summer!

July 10: Lego Challenges
July 17: Build a Geodesic Dome that we can sit in
July 24: Balloon Fingerprints and other cool activities
July 31: Create a cardboard carnival that we will share with the community

Mondays, July 10, 17, 24
2pm
Glen Oaks
256-04 Union Turnpike

ROBOTICS SUMMER READING CLUB WITH YOUNG ENGINEERS (IN-PERSON)

This Summer Reading Robotics club will provide three sessions each week. Children ages 6-12 will engage in some amazing STEAM activities and learn about cutting-edge technology.
*Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2023 city-wide sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs.

Mondays, July 10, 17, 24
2:30pm
East Elmhurst
95-06 Astoria Boulevard

Wednesdays, July 12, 19, 26
2:30pm
South Hollis
204-01 Hollis Avenue

Thursday, July 13, 20, 27
12:30pm
Arverne
312 Beach 54 Street

Thursday, July 13, 20, 27
2:30pm
Baisley Park
117-11 Sutphin Boulevard

CITY STICKS WITH FREDDY DUGARD (IN-PERSON)

Renowned percussionist Freddy Dugard presents a dynamic introduction to drums. Children ages 6-12 will explore music, percussion notation, musical styles, and rhythmic patterns. Beginners and experienced participants are welcome!
Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2023 city-wide sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs.

Tuesdays, July 11, 18, 25
2:30pm
South Jamaica
108-41 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard

MOVEMENT AND MUSIC WITH ZING: A HPEEC PROGRAM (IN-PERSON)

Movement, music, and play for children ages 3 to 5 years old, presented by Zing for Kids, a heart-led organization offering fun experiences that help kids feel amaZING. Online registration required; registration opens the day before each session.

Hunters Point Library Environmental Center programming is made possible by the Newtown Creek Environmental Benefit Fund, administered by City Parks Foundation and funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Tuesdays, July 11, 18, 25
4pm
Hunters Point
47-40 Center Boulevard

COMMUNITY BUILDING (IN-PERSON)

Celebrate Summer Reading’s theme, All Together Now, with a fun group activity in which children build together.

Wednesday, July 12
3pm
Arverne
312 Beach 54 Street

Friday, July 14
11:30am
Richmond Hill
118-14 Hillside Avenue

Tuesday, July 18
3pm
Kew Gardens Hills
72-33 Vleigh Place

SCIENCE HEROES: SAVING EARTH TOGETHER WITH TALEWISE (IN-PERSON)

In this action-packed story, two unlikely heroes work together to save their town (and the planet) from a super-polluting mastermind!
Throughout the adventure, you will help our performer conduct several exciting science experiments that bring this story to life! Together, we’ll explore Newton’s Laws of Motion, air pressure, chemical reactions, and more!

Wednesday, July 12
4pm
Woodhaven
85-41 Forest Parkway

BILINGUAL SPANISH STORYTIME WITH URBAN STAGES (IN-PERSON)

Welcome to a storytime in your language! Queens Public Library is excited to share Spanish language fun with early learners (ages 0-5) and their families in collaboration with Urban Stages. This program will contain an interactive storytime filled with movement, music, and rhymes, intended for bilingual families and curious learners!
Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2023 city-wide sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs.

Mondays, July 17, 24, 31
11:30am
Jackson Heights
35-51 81 Street

SUMMER CRAFT SERIES BY PARTY COLORS (IN-PERSON)

Join us for a craft series celebrating Summer using everyday materials to create art with Paula from Party Colors.
Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2023 city-wide sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs.

Mondays, July 17, 24, 31
2:30pm
Fresh Meadows
193-20 Horace Harding Expressway

WE ARE ALL UNIQUE (IN-PERSON)

Join us for a special program that celebrates the differences in the way we look; appreciates our unique abilities; and praises children for being individuals. We’ll have a storytime with a book that celebrates diversity and acceptance, nursery rhymes, and a puppet-making activity in which different hairstyles and colors and skin tones are exemplified.

Tuesday, July 18
3:30pm
Seaside
116-15 Rockaway Beach Boulevard

Saturday, July 22
2pm
Rochdale Village
169-09 137 Avenue

Monday, July 24
3pm
Corona
38-23 104 Street

Tuesday, July 25
2pm
Maspeth
69-70 Grand Avenue

Wednesday, July 26
11am
Pomonok
158-21 Jewel Avenue

BILINGUAL MANDARIN STORYTIME WITH URBAN STAGES (IN-PERSON)

Welcome to a storytime in your language! Queens Public Library is excited to share the Mandarin language fun with early learners (ages 0-5) and their families in collaboration with Urban Stages. This program will contain an interactive storytime filled with movement, music, and rhymes, intended for bilingual families and curious learners!
Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2023 city-wide sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs.

Wednesdays, July 19, 26
11:30am
Bayside
214-20 Northern Boulevard

SCIENCE EVERYWHERE NATURE INVESTIGATIONS: A HPEEC PROGRAM (IN-PERSON)

Kids ages 5 to 12 can explore and learn about the natural environment with Local Nature Lab, a New York City organization committed to monitoring, educating, supporting, and advocating for local nature. No registration required but space is limited: first-come, first-served.
Hunters Point Library Environmental Center programming is made possible by the Newtown Creek Environmental Benefit Fund, administered by City Parks Foundation and funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Thursday, July 20
4pm
Hunters Point
47-40 Center Boulevard

ALL TOGETHER NOW KINDNESS PAJAMA STORYTIME WITH MS. ASHLEY (IN-PERSON)

Wear your comfy clothes, bring a stuffy friend, and Join Miss Ashley for an evening Pajama storytime! No Registration Required.

Thursday, July 20
5:30pm
Auburndale
25-55 Francis Lewis Boulevard

NEW YORK LIFE AND NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARIES SUMMER BOOK GIVEAWAY (IN-PERSON)

NYC public libraries are here to help make reading part of your daily routine this summer. We’re teaming up with the New York Life Foundation to give away FREE books that you can take home and keep. Visit one of the following participating locations to get yours—while supplies last! The book giveaway will occur from 12pm-3pm at Arverne, Central, Corona and Flushing libraries.

Friday, July 28
12pm-3pm

Arverne
312 Beach 54 Street

Central Library
89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica

Corona
38-23 104 Street

Flushing
41-17 Main Street

THE NIGHTINGALE FAM SUMMER SINGALONG WITH URBAN STAGES (IN-PERSON)

Kids ages 2-6 will experience unique instruments, rhythms, languages, and sounds from all around the world. They will also work on building their strength and developing their motor skills, coordination, body awareness, and movement creativity through dance and educational games.
Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2023 city-wide sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs.

Monday, July 31
11am
Forest Hills
108-19 71 Avenue

SUMMER CLUBS: ANIMALS ALIVE WITH ALLEY POND ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER (IN-PERSON)

Join us for an animal show-and-tell event! Alley Pond Environmental Center’s delightful “Animals Alive” program lets children see and learn about a variety of familiar and exotic animals.
Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2023 city-wide sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs.

Tuesdays, August 1, 8, 15
2:30pm
Glen Oaks
256-04 Union Turnpike

SUMMER CLUBS: ROBOTICS WITH SPRINGBOARD INCUBATORS INC. (IN-PERSON)

Robotics Workshops: students will learn new terminology surrounding robotics Arduino basics, and how to understand the working and connections of these newly introduced components. They will learn how to build and run their own Arduino projects as well as how to build and download code.
This program has been granted major support from the First Lego League.

Thursdays, August 3, 10
2:30pm
East Flushing
196-36 Northern Boulevard

Tuesdays, August 1, 8
Wednesday, August 2
Friday, August 4
2:30pm
South Ozone Park
128-16 Rockaway Boulevard

Wednesdays, August 9, 16
Tuesday, August 15
Thursday, August 17
2:30pm
Baisley Park
117-11 Sutphin Boulevard

MAKE A HAPPY FACE: INTERACTIVE SUMMER READING SING-ALONG WITH CAROL AND ED (IN-PERSON)

Put on a happy face! 😊 We will be singing original children’s songs as well as treasured classics at this interactive live concert, complete with sing-alongs, repetition, and movement. This event will be presented by professional musicians and educators, Ed and Carol Nicodemi.
*Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2023 city wide sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs.

Wednesday, August 2
2:00pm
North Forest Park
98-27 Metropolitan Avenue

Saturday, August 5
3pm
Briarwood
85-12 Main Street

Monday, August 21
2:30pm
East Flushing
196-36 Northern Boulevard

“THE HISTORY OF BALLOONS” WITH NICK THE BALLOONATIC (IN-PERSON)

Award-winning balloon artist Nick the Balloonatic will teach the history of balloons, and share how balloons impact art, science, math, geography, and even safety. With over 30 years of experience in balloon artistry, Nick has twisted balloons all over the world. At this event he will interact with participants—all while sculpting balloons, laughing, joking, and making everyone feel special.
*Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2023 City Wide Sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs.

Wednesday, August 2
2:30pm
Douglaston/Little Neck
249-01 Northern Boulevard

Monday, August 7
2:30pm
North Hills
57-04 Marathon Parkway

Friday, August 18
2:30pm
Pomonok
158-21 Jewel Avenue

Thursday, August 24
2pm
Cambria Heights
218-13 Linden Boulevard

Wednesday, August 30
4pm
Bellerose
250-06 Hillside Avenue

SUMMER CLUBS: THE NIGHTINGALE FAM SUMMER SINGALONG WITH URBAN STAGES (IN-PERSON)

Experience unique instruments, rhythms, languages, and sounds from all around the world. Kids work on building strength, developing gross motor skills, coordination, body awareness, and movement creativity through dance and educational games. (ages 2-6)
Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2023 city-wide sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs.

Wednesdays, August 2, 9, 16
11:30am
Briarwood
85-12 Main Street

GOLDILOCKS & THE THREE BEARS WITH WONDER SPARK PUPPETS (IN-PERSON)

Goldilocks is a naughty little girl who does anything she wants and never cleans up after herself. What will happen when she sneaks into the Three Bears’ house? Lots of laughter! This is a well-known story about one girl, three bears, finding friends and learning responsibility. For ages six to eleven.
*Major Support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2023 City wide sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs.

Wednesday, August 9
2pm
Bayside
214-20 Northern Boulevard

Wednesday, August 16
3pm
Corona
38-23 104 Street

“THE LION & THE MOUSE” WITH WONDER SPARK PUPPETS (IN-PERSON)

Join us for these two amazing Aesop’s Fables! It’s a puppet show double feature with “The Lion and the Mouse” and “The Tortoise and the Hare.”
Each fable is highly interactive, plus we will learn about forgiveness, the power of kindness, and good sportsmanship. This program is for children ages 6-12 and their parents/caregivers.
Major support is provided for this program by the New York Life Foundation, the 2023 city-wide sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs.

Saturday, August 19
1pm
Rochdale Village
169-09 137 Avenue

Saturday, August 19
2:30pm
St. Albans
191-05 Linden Boulevard

Friday, August 18
3pm
Baisley Park
117-11 Sutphin Boulevard

Tuesday, August 22
2:30pm
McGoldrick
155-06 Roosevelt Ave. (off Northern Blvd.)

SUMMER CLUBS: MULTIMEDIA PERFORMANCE WITH KIDS CREATIVE COLLECTIVE INC. (IN-PERSON)

Participants will create a multimedia performance exploring a topic of their interest. We will explore the mediums of theatre, video, and voiceover, and will gain material through interviews, discussions, and outdoor field trips. Each intensive will culminate with an informal sharing for the community, friends, and family. All are welcome!
****To Register please email jasmine.harrison@queenslibrary.org
Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2023 city-wide sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs.

Monday, August 14
Wednesday, August 16
Friday, August 18
2:30pm
Rochdale Village
169-09 137 Avenue

PAINT WORKSHOP WITH JUAN ORTEGA (IN-PERSON)

“Everyone is an artist!” says Juan Ortega. Join him for an entertaining and creative experience during this fun-filled painting workshop for kids. Bring friends or make new ones. Everyone gets to go home with their very own artistic masterpiece! Space is limited. All supplies will be provided.

Monday, August 7
2:30pm
South Jamaica
108-41 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard

Saturday, August 12
2:30pm
East Elmhurst
95-06 Astoria Boulevard

Wednesday, August 23
2:30pm
Astoria
14-01 Astoria Boulevard

Friday, August 25
2:30pm
Lefferts
103-34 Lefferts Boulevard

MAGIC AND COMEDY SHOW WITH OMAR OLUSION (IN-PERSON)

Join magician Omar Olusion for a fun, entertaining magic and comedy show. Get ready to be enchanted while having fun! This program is for kids, ages 6-12, and their families.
*Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2023 City Wide Sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs.

Monday, August 14
4pm
Windsor Park
79-50 Bell Boulevard

Thursday, August 24
4pm
South Hollis
204-01 Hollis Avenue