The theme celebrates all forms of arts, artists, literacy, and community building.

Community members can pre-register for the program through June 14 on the library’s website at https://www.prendergastlibrary.org/summer-reading-program.

Pre-registration recipients are eligible for a scratch-off card that gives them access to additional prizes. They will receive these at outreach events, or can show their pre-registration confirmation to Prendergast Library staff members at the library to receive their scratch-off card. Scratch-off cards can be redeemed for prizes at the library’s Community Block Party on June 28h, when participants are also encouraged to pick up their Summer Reading packets. Those who can’t attend the Block Party can stop by the library after June 28 to get their prize and packet.

Participants of all ages can enroll for a Summer Reading packet that is assigned by age and contains information about the various activities that participants can engage in and prizes that can be earned by reading. Children are invited to read at their own pace, earning beads for their brag tag necklaces. Teens have the chance to use their imaginations with journal prompts or book reviews that earn entries into prize drawings. Adults can read books and fill out their Bingo sheets for book sale coupons and entries into their own prize drawing. New this year: everyone has the chance to pick a team mascot and play the Library Land Game.

Story time on the Prendergast Library patio is pictured from the 2024 summer season.

As participants register, they are asked to join a team which features a mascot based on a famous artist. Team members receive a mascot pin and a Library Land game piece in their packet and will earn points for their team throughout the summer when they bring in their logs, journals, and Bingo sheets. Team points will be added to jars at the front desk.

Everyone can play Library Land, no registration needed! Summer Reading participants get to roll the dice every time they are at the library, once per visit, to advance their game piece on the life-size game board throughout the library’s main floor. Special squares have prizes along the route. Every library user (no registration needed) who checks out books gets the chance to roll the dice to see if they win a bookmark or donate points to a Summer Reading team of their choice.

Sponsors include Chautauqua Chemicals Company, Shults Auto Group, Chautauqua Patrons Insurance, Chris Cooke Architecture, Lind Funeral Home, Moonbrook Veterinary Hospital, PC., Jamestown Area Community Federal Credit Union, The Cherry Lounge, Dr. Umamaheswara R. Vejendla, and attorney Philip Cala.

The Prendergast Library is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.