Summer Reading Program 2026
Welcome all readers!
Summer reading is here at Elting Memorial Library! Dig in and unearth a story with us this summer as we explore the joy of discovery reading brings.
Registration opens June 15th and closes August 1st!
Registration
Each reading log counts as 1,000 minutes. Every 20 minutes you read, you'll fill in a bubble, and when it's all full, turn in your reading log at the front desk to get a prize! You can get as many reading logs and prizes as you want - every minute counts for your team to race ahead. Check in at the library to see how your team is doing, and encourage your teammates to read more if you're falling behind - we're all in this together!
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![A drawing of a red-orange Spinosaurus dinosaur, with brown text that says, Spectacular Spinosauruses]()
Spectacular Spinosaurses
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![A drawing of a yellow Velociraptor dinosaur with orange text that reads Vibrant Velociraptors]()
Vibrant Velociraptors
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![A drawing of a green Tyrannosaurus Rex with dark green text that reads Terrific Tyrannosaurus Rexes]()
Terrific Tyrannosaurus Rexes
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![A drawing of a blue Brontosaurus dinosaur with blue text that reads Brainy Brontosauruses]()
Brainy Brontosauruses
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![A drawing of a purple Stegosaurus dinosaur with purple text that reads Superb Stegosauruses]()
Superb Stegosauruses
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![A drawing of a pink Pterodactyl with pink text that reads Tip-Top Pterodactyls]()
Tip-Top Pterodactyls
Mark your calendars!
Summer Reading Kick-off: Ice Cream Social
June 20th • 2 PM • Vera Rushforth Reading Garden
Come kick off our summer reading program with us here at Elting Memorial Library! Join us in the Vera Rushforth Reading Garden (as weather allows) to enjoy some ice cream, play some games, and sign up for summer reading!
No registration required.
New Paltz Adventure Scavenger Hunt
July 15th - August 15th
Join Elting Memorial Library in unearthing a story throughout the village and town of New Paltz! Starting July 15, get a guide from the library and seek clues throughout New Paltz to unearth a story and have fun! Adventurers will have until August 15 to complete the scavenger hunt, and will get a chance at a super special surprise when they return their completed guide to Elting Memorial Library.
Summer Reading Celebration!
August 22nd • 2 PM • Vera Rushforth Reading Garden
Join Elting Memorial Library for a celebration of our summer reading program! Come to the library garden for music, games, and a barbeque!
At this celebration, we'll draw the winner of the summer reading scavenger hunt raffle, and announce the winning team of the summer reading race!
Registration is preferred and guarantees your spot at this event. Registration opens July 25th.
Unearth a Story
The slogan “Unearth a Story” was chosen to align with this theme in a way that invites layered interpretation. Whether readers are digging into a good book, uncovering hidden histories, or exploring the past, the slogan underscores the joy of discovery that reading brings. It also emphasizes that every person and every community has stories waiting to be found and shared—through books, programs, and local knowledge.
Why “Unearth a Story”?
The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) selected dinosaurs, paleontology, and archaeology as the 2026 theme after broad input from member Libraries across the country and through the careful work of the CSLP Theme and Slogan Committee. These topics were consistently cited as high-interest areas for children and families and offer rich opportunities to spark curiosity, imagination, and learning across all age groups.