GREENFIELD — With the school year now over, many families may be wondering, “What can my kids do this summer?” or “Will they get off their phones at some point?”
Well, the Greenfield Public Library has some solutions.
From June 17 to Aug. 1, Children’s Librarian Ellen Lavoie and Teen Librarian Francesca Passiglia are spearheading a Summer Reading Program that will help the community’s youngsters avoid losing reading progress and encourage reading for leisure.
“Over the years, I’ve sort of focused more on trying to get kids off their phone,” Passiglia noted. “Even if it’s just for 15 minutes.”
But the reading programs are not just about going through books like “Matilda.”
“We have a LEGO Club every week,” Lavoie mentioned.
Throughout the summer, children and teens can participate in crafting activities, movie screenings, book-themed events, reading challenges and even food-related programming inspired by this year’s theme, “Plant a Seed, Read.”
The theme comes from a nationwide initiative through iRead, and encourages libraries to connect reading with gardening and community. Children who sign up for the program receive free seed packets to plant fruits, vegetables or flowers, giving them the opportunity to cultivate something tangible alongside their reading habits.
Lavoie believes that keeping reading fun is key to keeping children engaged.
“We’ve been able to visit the middle school and some elementary schools, and we worked with [Elementary Library Media Specialist/School Librarian] Rachel Dowd to get the word out,” Lavoie added.
The Summer Reading Program for children includes incentives such as free ice cream, and Lavoie emphasized that families should not feel limited to traditional chapter books. Regardless of a child’s interests, the library’s collection includes graphic novels, sports books, science titles, audiobooks and more in a wide variety of subjects.
“I think people think of the library as a place with just books, or it’s not for them, but that’s not the case,” Lavoie said. “The library has a little bit for everyone.”
Parents can also play a key role in maintaining reading habits during the summer months.
“Reading together at home, kids tend to do what they see parents doing,” Lavoie said.
Passiglia has developed three reading challenges for the Summer Reading Program for teenagers. One encourages teens to read for at least 15 minutes each day. Another asks teens to put down their phones and read before bed. The third challenges readers to work through titles that were nominated for this year’s Massachusetts Teen Choice Books Award. Participants can track their progress and earn raffle tickets, prizes and other incentives.
Passiglia has even introduced a collaborative goal: if teen readers collectively reach 1,000 hours of reading over the summer, they will earn a vote on a major addition to the library’s Teen Room. Options include jumbo bean bag chairs or a PlayStation 5, or teens could vote to have the library hold an after-hours catered murder-mystery event.
“I like to do collaborative things,” Passiglia said. “How can I get everybody to work together?”
The library is also expanding beyond books with programs designed to attract teens looking for something to do on summer afternoons. Through a partnership with Dig In founder Kyle Zegel, the library is launching a “Snack of the Week” program featuring produce tastings and food-related activities connected to the gardening theme.
Other events include a manga release celebration, a party for the final “Heartstopper” book, book-crafting workshops and Summer-Ween, a week dedicated to spooky books, movies and activities.
Passiglia noted how the Teen Room has evolved significantly since the library moved into its current building at 412 Main St. What began primarily as a program space has increasingly become a gathering place where young people can spend time with friends, play games and explore new interests.
“Greenfield does not have a lot of spaces dedicated to teenagers,” she said.
For both librarians, success will be measured not only by the number of books checked out, but by the sense of connection the library fosters among young people.
As of Saturday’s kick-off event, about 60 children had signed up for the Summer Reading Program, with organizers hoping to surpass last year’s total of 180 participants. Whether families come for the books, the activities, the food or simply a place to spend an afternoon, Lavoie wants residents to remember that the library is open to everyone.
Parents and guardians can sign their children up for the Summer Reading Program at greenfieldpubliclibrary.org/p/2110.
