The Newton Public Library District is preparing for a busy and engaging summer with the return of its annual Summer Reading Program, offering a wide range of activities, performances, and educational opportunities for children and families throughout the community. This year’s program, themed “Plant a Seed, Read,” encourages young readers to grow their love of books while participating in fun, interactive experiences both at the library and around town.
The program officially kicks off on Saturday, May 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Mini Golf course in Peterson Park. Families are invited to attend the kickoff event, where children can plant a seed, enjoy a story, and even play a round of mini golf while celebrating the start of summer reading.
Throughout June, the library will host a series of Summer Library Shows at the West End Reception and Events Center, located at 202 Museum Drive in Newton. These events are free and open to the public, with most shows beginning at 10:30 a.m. The lineup includes:
• Animal Tales on Tuesday, June 2nd
• Dinosaur Adventures on Monday, June 8th at 10:00 a.m.
• Magician Richard Landry on Tuesday, June 16th
• River City Puppets on Tuesday, June 23rd
• Juggler Jason Kollum on Tuesday, June 30th
These performances are designed to entertain while fostering curiosity and imagination, making them a highlight of the summer schedule.
In addition to the shows, the library’s Reading Program begins May 18th and runs through June 30th. Children are encouraged to sign up at the library, where they will receive a reading log to track their progress. Reading goals vary by age group, ranging from 10 minutes per day for younger children to 30 minutes per day for older participants. Those who meet their goals will earn a coupon for a personal pan pizza, courtesy of Joe’s Italian Foods & Pizza.
Importantly, children do not need a library card to participate in the program or attend the shows, ensuring accessibility for all families in the community.
Weekly Story Time will also be offered every Thursday at 10:30 a.m., beginning June 4th and continuing through July 30th. These sessions are geared toward children from preschool through second grade and include a story followed by a craft activity, helping introduce young readers to the joy of books in a fun, social setting.
The library is also bringing back its popular “Make & Take Crafts,” providing take-home craft kits for families. These kits allow children to continue learning and creating at home using simple materials like glue, crayons, and imagination.
Older children are not left out of the summer fun. The library recognizes that older siblings are often looking for engaging activities and will be offering prizes and programming tailored to them as well. One such opportunity is “Painting with Tia,” with two sessions available:
• June 3rd from 2:00–3:00 p.m. for ages 7–11
• June 10th from 2:00–3:30 p.m. for ages 12–16
Registration is required for these painting sessions, and participants will be able to choose from four different painting options.
The summer will wrap up with a community-wide celebration at the Summer Pool Party on Friday, July 10th from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at the Newton Aquatic Center. Families are invited to enjoy an evening under the stars as a fun conclusion to the program.
Library officials emphasize that the Summer Reading Program is about more than just books—it’s about building a lifelong love of learning, encouraging creativity, and bringing the community together. With a full schedule of events, free access to programming, and opportunities for all age groups, the Newton Public Library District continues to play a vital role in enriching the lives of local families.
For more information or questions about the program, residents are encouraged to contact the library directly or visit in person to sign up and get involved.
