Heights Youngsters Inspired to Keep Reading All Summer

School may be out for the summer but learning and exploring does not have to end thanks to the Hasbrouck Heights Public Library's annual summer reading program.

Once again the library has its book clubs, special programs, contests and more all set to keep kids entertained this summer while also inspiring them to keep reading.

Registration is ongoing for the programs which are offered for all age groups from little tots up to the high school seniors.

The theme for the little ones this year is "Dig Into Reading" with a summer reading club open to babies up to grade 6. Children are encouraged to read or be read to for at least 2 1/2 hours per week for five weeks.

All the youngsters who register get a log sheet to mark the amount of time spent reading and prizes will be awarded. The kids are encouraged to come into the library to check out books and to have their log sheet updated weekly. 

The library has also introduced a drop-in story time for children ages 2 1/2 to 6 and their families, announced Marie Joyce, children's librarian. It will be held on Tuesdays from July 9 through Aug 13 from 1:30-2:00 pm. No registration is needed for this program.

The weekly teen book clubs are back both beginning next month. Talk It Up meets Wednesdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. from July 10 to Aug. 14 for kids entering grades 7, 8 and 9. Books on the list to be read include "The Summer Prince" by Alaya Dawn Johnson, "If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period" by Gennifer Choldenko to name a few.

The Speak Out group is for teens entering grades 10, 11 and 12 which meets Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. from July 9 to Aug. 13. Among the list of books on the list include "All the Right Stuff" by Walter Dean Myers and "The Compound" by S.A. Boden.

Students in grades 7 to 12 are able to enter a contest for a chance to win prizes in a drawing by taking out books at the library. The teens will get a ticket for every book they check out (including required selections from school reading lists) which will be entered into the drawing.

Call the library at 201-288-0488 for more information and to register.