Westfield Washington Public Library Launching Summer Reading Program

Registration for the Westfield Washington Public Library Summer Reading Program is now open. The eight-week program officially starts on Wednesday, June 1st. All ages are encouraged to participate.

“We’re encouraging everyone to dive into reading with this year’s theme Oceans of Possibilities,” says Sara Reitmeyer Perry, a library assistant in the Children’s Department. “Not only will we offer a host of ocean-themed story times, crafts, and trivia, but we’re bringing in some must-see hands-on activities.

The Whalemobile, a 43-foot-long model of a real humpback whale off the coast of Massachusetts, will be at the library on Saturday, June 18th. Kids will be allowed to walk through the whale and learn about its biology, sounds, and natural history. Space is limited and registration is required.

The library will also play host to an Oceans of Foam Party on Thursday, July 7th. Participants will be allowed to “swim” in a dance floor covered in foam with live music and games. The hypo-allergenic foam, similar to baby shampoo, is safe for kids and biodegradable. Again, space is limited, and registration is required. Event registration can be made on the library’s event page.

Registration for the Summer Reading Program can be found at https://wwpl.beanstack.org. Anyone who reads at least 40 hours between June 1st and July 31st will be automatically entered into a drawing for the grand prize which includes an underwater sports action camera. Prizes will also be distributed to participants throughout the program when they hit specific reading milestones.

“We hope to see hundreds of kids at the library this summer,” says Sheryl Sollars, director of the Westfield Washington Public Library. “Summer break is a fun time to use the library and develop a lifelong habit of reading. Plus, reading over the summer helps young readers keep their skills up.”