Summer Reading Programs for all ages; registration now open

Registration is open for the Atlantic City Free Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program, which will run be held online from June 29-Aug. 15. There are programs for children (12 and younger), teens (13-18) and adults (18+).

The theme is “Imagine Your Story.” Children and teens will be able to track their reading, complete online challenges and upload book reviews to unlock digital badges and prizes.

There will be prize drawings for those adults who meet certain participation levels. Participants can earn points by reading books, writing book reviews, participating in the library’s Online Book Club or completing various missions in READsquared. The first 25 adults to register will receive an Imagine Your Story tote bag full of giveaways.

Visit acfpl.readsquared.com to register. The library has planned online programs (see page 3); all require registration. Those who register for programs will be provided with instructions and Zoom meeting details. Call (609) 345-2269, ext. 3050, for more information.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
Online Story Time
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
June 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28 and Aug. 4, 11
Join us for an online version of our Preschool Story Time, where our librarian will share stories, songs, finger plays and movement activities. Story times are a fun way to help children develop skills they will need to be ready to read. Story Time is geared for ages 3-5, but the whole family is welcome to join from home.

Online Imagination Club
Thursdays at 2 p.m.
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and Aug. 6, 13
Kids ages 6-12 are invited to join us as we share stories and projects using the theme “Imagine Your Story.” A limited number of weekly project bags with supplies for each project will be available for pickup

Online Program: What’s Next for Space for Human Spaceflight?
Thursday, July 9, at 6 p.m.
This program is for ages 10 through adults. Learn about the human space programs planned by the United States, China, Russia and four U.S. commercial companies. Paul Cirillo will discuss space stations and gateways, moon bases, a journey to Mars and even space tourism. This is an adult program but suitable for children 10 years of age and older. It is presented on behalf of the NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassadors Program. Cirillo has been a volunteer with the Ambassadors Program for 19 years. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University and is a New Jersey Astronomical Association member.

Online Book Discussion: Unstoppable
Tuesday, July 21, at 3 p.m.
Children ages 6-8 are invited to read and discuss the book “Unstoppable” by Adam Rex. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Well, what if the answer was: ALL OF THEM? When a bird narrowly escapes the clutches of a hungry cat, a nearby crab admires the bird’s ability to fly, while the bird admits a longtime yearning for claws. And, just like that, they team up. Pretty soon, the team includes every animal in the forest who has ever wanted someone else’s special trait. Children interested in participating are encouraged to read the story before the discussion, but it’s not required. The library has eBook copies of this title, which can be checked out using your library card at hoopladigital.com.

Online Book Discussion: The New Kid
Tuesday, July 28, at 3 p.m.
Kids ages 9-12 are invited to read and discuss the graphic novel “The New Kid.” New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real. Those interested in participating are encouraged to read the story before the discussion, but it’s not required. The library has eBook copies of this title, which can be checked out using your library card at hoopladigital.com.

TEEN PROGRAMS
Online Game Program – Skribbl.io
Wednesday, July 1, at 4 p.m.
Teenagers are invited to play Skribbl.io, a fun online drawing and guessing game.

Online Teen “Happy Little Paint Night” Program
Wednesday, July 8, at 4 p.m.
Join us on Zoom as we watch a relaxing paint tutorial by a famous artist while creating our own “happy little paintings.” Don’t have paints? Don’t worry! Use crayons, colored pencils or markers. The goals are to relax and have fun.

Online Teen Game Program: Bring Your Own Book
Wednesday, July 15, at 4 p.m.
Join us on Zoom to play Bring Your Own Book. Using their own books, players will race to find matches for weird and funny prompts. This game is similar to Apples to Apples, but it uses lines from books instead of cards. Players will need to have a book or magazine to play.

Online Teen Game Program: Jackbox
Wednesday, July 22, at 4 p.m.
Teens are invited to join us for fun online games. We’ll meet up on Zoom and then play games from Jackbox

Online Teen “Deepak Art” Program
Wednesday, July 29 at 4 p.m.
Join us on Zoom as we create an oil pastel masterpiece together. We’ll watch a video from Deepak’s Arts & Crafts and try to recreate it. The library has a limited number of oil pastels available for pickup.

Online Teen Book Discussion: They Both Die at the End
Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 4 p.m.
Teens are invited to read and discuss the book “They Both Die at the End” by Adam Silvera. In a near-future New York City where a service alerts people on the day they will die, teenagers Mateo Torres and Rufus Emeterio meet using the Last Friend app and are faced with the challenge of living a lifetime on their End Day. Teens interested in participating are encouraged to read the story before the discussion. The library has eBook copies of this title, which can be checked out using your library card at hoopladigital.com

Virtual Teen Coffeehouse
Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 4 p.m.
Teens are invited to perform at our Virtual Coffeehouse. Video record yourself reading a poem, singing a song, playing an instrument, or showing off any talent you have! Email your video to the library. Library staff will edit the videos together and then we’ll watch it together live on Zoom. Videos must be received by Aug. 5.

ADULT PROGRAMS
A.C. Reads Online Book Club Meeting
Thursday, July 16, at 4 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 6, at 4 p.m.
The theme of the 2020 Adult Summer Reading Program, “Imagine Your Story,” focuses on the genres of fantasy, fairytales, folklore and mythology. There are no assigned books to read; participants can talk about any book they want!