Free Summer Reading Programs at the Island’s Libraries and in Ellsworth

The Island's schools will be out for the summer and soon enough, parents will be hearing "I'm bored!". One of the best ways to avoid the "I'm boreds" is by signing up your child for one of the FREE summer reading programs at one of the Island's libraries or at the Ellsworth Public Library.

These programs are free and encourage summer reading to keep the brain active and smart! Reading is one of the best life-long habits you can encourage. With a book you can be involved in a murder-mystery, transported back in time to a historical event, learn about someone's life with an autobiography or just have fun with a great fictional book!

Here are the sign up dates for the various Summer Reading Kick-off events!

Jesup Memorial Library - Saturday June 14th 10:30 a.m. - 1130 a.m. and 2 to 3 p.m. - Summer Reading Kickoff: Mr. Drew and His Animals, Too

Mr. Drew and His Animals Too is an Educational outreach presenter featuring exotic reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates from around the world that he has rescued and rehabilitated. He takes in what the humane societies will not to prevent the release of exotic species into the Maine ecosystem and currently cares for over 200 animals. He has been working with exotic animals for 35 years and his 60-75 minute presentation is fast paced, funny, very educational and appropriate for age 2-102! Kids under 8, please bring an adult.

The Jesup has had such a great response to Mr. Drew and His Animals, Too that he will be performing twice, 10:30 to 11:30 and 2 to 3 p.m. ! 

Sign up for Summer Reading BINGO while you're there. If you have any questions about this program, please contact Abby

Southwest Harbor Public Library - Friday, June 20th, from 5:30-7:00 pm at The Safe Harbor Alano Club (formerly The American Legion Hall)

Southwest Harbor Public Library will celebrate the Summer Reading Kick-off and Sign-up Event with a puppet show by Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers. From 5:30-6:00 p.m., sign up your babies, kids, and teens for summer reading. Then enjoy a Wild-West themed puppet show from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Gear up for summer fun by reading and winning prizes. No registration needed for the event.

The Summer Reading Program runs from Friday, June 20th to Saturday, August 16th. For babies, parents and guardians complete an activity bingo during the summer and get a prize upon completion. Kids and teens make weekly entries, writings or drawings, into a reading journal and check in weekly from June 20th to August 15th to receive prizes ranging from books, and treats to small gifts from local businesses. To join the Summer Reading Program after June 20th, stop by the library during regular hours to sign up. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday from  9am-5pm; Wednesday. 9am-8pm; and Saturday 9am-1pm.

Ellsworth Public Library - Saturday, June 21st 10 a.m. - 12 Noon.

This year’s theme is Level Up, and the Ellsworth Public Library's  kick-off event—Level Up Your Story—celebrates your unique journey and the power of understanding others' stories too. Come spend a magical morning with lawn games, an outdoor scavenger hunt, and of course, snacks (because every good quest needs fuel!).

Step into your story and create your very own Reading Dragon character! Who are you in your tale—a superhero dragon rider, a misunderstood sea creature, a time-traveling inventor? Design a companion creature like a Kraken, unicorn, robot sidekick—or something entirely original—to join you on your adventure.

You can decorate your design at the library during the event or take it home to finish. Return your completed artwork by July 21 to enter our community vote.

The winning designs will be announced at the end of August and become part of our official Reading Dragon Families—to be shared with everyone this October!

Northeast Harbor Public Library - Monday, June 23 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Join the Northeast Harbor Public Library in kicking off their gaming-themed summer reading program: Level Up at Your Library! They will have a gaming and STEM-themed read aloud, followed by a giant game of The Floor is Lava on the library lawn. Children will also have the opportunity to sign up for the summer reading program, and learn all about the summer children’s events. All ages are welcome, and no registration is required. Children under 8 must have adult supervision.