HomeMy WebLinkAbout052126 Public Library Summer Reading Program Kicks Off June 1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Melody Sky Weaver,Community
Services Director
Thursday, May 21, 2026 (360) 344-3054 mweaver@cityofpt.us
PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMMER READING PROGRAM KICKS OFF JUNE1
2026 theme, “A Beautiful Place to Live,” features art by Shannon Kidd
PORT TOWNSEND – The Port Townsend Public Library’s Summer Reading Program runs from June
through August each year. All community members are invited to participate in self-paced reading
challenges for kids, teens, and adults, and track their hours along the way. This year’s theme, “A
Beautiful Place to Live,” invites the community to find a story exposing the beauty of the world and
challenges us to make the world a better place.
Any aspect of engaging in literature counts, including reading a book with a friend, listening to an
audiobook, attending one of the library’s weekly storytimes, enjoying a graphic novel, and more.
Participants can track their hours with a reading tracker available at the library or on the library’s
website. Prizes are available for kids, teens, and adults in each age category. Kids and teens that read 10
hours earn a free book. Adults that read 10 hours earn a vinyl sticker and are eligible for a raffle prize to
Imprint Bookstore. Kids and teens that read 50 hours or adults that read 100 hours earn a limited-
edition t-shirt designed by local artist Shannon Kidd. Teens and young adults (ages 13-24) that wear
,
their Summer Reading t-shirt to The Nest by September 6,2026, receive a free drink.
Youth & Outreach Library Manager, Emily Rucker says: “This year’s Summer Reading program is a
celebration of our unique community and what makes Port Townsend such a ‘beautiful place to live.’
Programs and activities are designed to introduce community members to local attractions including our
historic Carnegie Library, City parks, as well as local farms and gardens. Program presenters
demonstrate the diverse talent of our community, from local farmers and artisans to small business
owners and performers. This year we are inviting our community to explore new areas, look at the world
through a new and perhaps more whimsical lens, and consider what they can do to make our
community a more “beautiful place to live.”
Featured Summer Reading programs include:
o "Summer Garden Program,” with City of Port Townsend Parks staff. Wednesdays, June 24,
July 29, and August 26, 10:00am-12:00pm. Bell Tower Park (June 24) and Chetzemoka Park
(July 29 and August 26). Kids ages 7-12 and teens ages 12-18.
o “Become a Youth Vendor at the Farmers Market,” with Amanda Milholland and Jefferson
County Farmers Markets (JCFM). Thursday, June 25, 1:00pm-2:00pm. The Port Townsend
Public Library- Children’s Room. Ages 5-12.
o “Storytime at Finnriver Farm & Cidery.” Thursday, July 16, 1:00pm-2:00pm. Finnriver Farm &
Cidery. Ages 5-12.
o“Art in the Park,” with Maria Coryell-Martin of Art Toolkit. Wednesday, July 22, 1:00pm-
2:00pm. Chetzemoka Park. All ages.
o“Summer Floral Arrangements,” with Laurie McKenzie and Candice Gohn. Thursday, August
6, 3:30pm-4:30pm. Garris Gardens. Ages 12-18.
o“Trivia Night.” Thursday, August 20, 6:00pm-7:30pm. The Port Townsend Public Library-
Carnegie Room. Ages 12+.
The full list is available on the library’s website. Additionally, community members are encouraged to
pick up an Explore Your ParksActivity Book at the library and visit seven beautiful City parks over the
Summer. After completing the activity book, program participants are eligible for a raffle prize to the
Port Townsend Garden Center.
Summer Reading Program 2026is generously sponsored by the Port Townsend Library Friends
&Foundation.Their sponsorship ensures that all weekly programs and performancesarefreeto all.
Many programs are for youth of all ages, including teens, and the Summer Storytime series is intended
for younger childrenand their caregivers. Programs and storytimes will happen rain or shineand the
library website will showupdates to times and locations for weekly programs.
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Find the full list of Summer Reading 2026programs and storytimes, and download the reading tracker
on the library’s website: https://ptpubliclibrary.org/library/page/summer-reading-program-2026