Summer Reading Activities with the Hartford Public Library

Hartford Public Schools (HPS), the Hartford Public Library (HPL), and community partners are excited to announce their annual Summer Reading Challenge and related activities for the children and youth of Hartford.

Summer Reading Challenge | This year’s Summer Reading Challenge theme is “3-2-1 Hartford Blast Off!” From June 17 to August 19, Hartford residents ages 19 and younger are encouraged to participate by completing activities using an online game board and reading at least 20 minutes a day. Children and teens who submit a log of their reading and activities online or at their nearest HPL branch will be entered to win weekly prizes. Prizes include tickets to a play at the Bushnell and an opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a Hartford Yard Goats Game.

Summer Kickoff Event | We invite all families and Hartford residents to join us for a Summer Kickoff on Saturday, June 10th from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Ropkins Branch Library, 1750 Main Street. The event will include musical and dance performances, family-friendly activities including face painting, balloon twisting, and yoga, and an unveiling of a new mural honoring the late Hartford Mayor Carrie Saxon-Perry. The event will be a celebration of the beginning of summer and a kickoff to the Summer Reading Challenge.

Sundays at the Stadium | Throughout the summer, the Hartford Athletic will be hosting three “Sundays at the Stadium.” Families are invited to read on the field at Trinity Health Stadium, home of the Hartford Athletic, and participate in free soccer clinics. Sundays at the Stadium will be held:

• • June 18th from 2 to 5 p.m.
  • July 30th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • August 13th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Moon, Mars, and Beyond at HPL | From July 5 to Sept 8 | The Hartford Public Library is one of eight libraries across the country to receive the Moon, Mars, and Beyond exhibit, an interactive, all ages exhibit aimed to excite and educate the community about human spaceflight, the International Space Station, and NASA’s next big step to land the first woman on the Moon. The exhibit will be split up and installed at the Albany Branch, Barbour Branch, Camp Field Branch, Dwight Branch, Park Branch and Ropkins Branch. Space-themed programming and a system-wide scavenger hunt will bring the community together to learn about fascinating STEM topics and imagine  life on the Moon, Mars and Beyond!

The Hartford Public Library and Hartford Public Schools would like to thank their partners for playing an integral role in these events:  Connecticut Children’s, Boys and Girls Club, Boundless, The Bushnell Performing Arts Center, Catholic Charities, The Children’s Museum, City of Hartford Early Learning Division, Connecticut Sun, Hartford Athletic, Hartford Performs, Hartford Yard Goats, NAACP, UConn, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, and the YMCA.