Living on the Cheap file photo
We are delighted to report that the FREE Albuquerque and Bernalillo County Public Library Summer Reading Program is back in person this year.
Online signups have already begun for the eight-week program designed to encourage babies, small and older children and teens to read or for others to read to them. In-person registration begins on the first day of the program, June 4. The celebration of reading runs through the end of July.
Children and teens set their own reading goals. Each week they bring their reading log to a library branch to earn a weekly prize. Adults can earn awards each time they check in. At the end of the Summer Reading Program, participants who turn in their completed reading log will be entered in a drawing for a grand prize.
Parents take a look at this quick video on how to stop the summer slide.
You can pick up a copy of the Summer Reading Program Special Events schedule for each branch. A wide variety of programs is planned to spread the joy of reading.
The library notes that there is no advance registration required to attend Children & Family Special Events. Other event categories, especially events for Tweens and Teens, DO require advance registration as the library has limited supplies for participants.While many events at the library require advance registration, the Summer Reading Program Special Events do not.
The library’s complete schedule of Special Events for Children & Families is here. (PDF)
Below is the library’s description of the programs that will rotate to the branches this summer.
SPECIAL EVENTS FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES
No advance registration is required to attend any Children & Family events. We are grateful to the Friends of the Public Library for providing the funding for these special events!
Andy Mason Music – Andy brings a high energy positive vibe with his music, some surprising new songs, and tales of world-wide travel to the Albuquerque Public Library for Summer Reading 2022.
Ann Lincoln’s Yo-Ho-Ho Pirate Show – Join jolly Captain Ann Lincoln for her one of a kind performance which includes: juggling, magic, comedy and her trained bird and bunny.
Busker and Me with Jim Jackson – Busker and Me, featuring world class clown Jim Jackson and his mischievous puppet dog Busker, brings to life the story of a lost dog and his discovery of fame and fortune in the Circus. Magic, juggling, puppetry and comedy are all a part of this delightful tale.
Dive In and Discover Yourself with Meghan Casey — Meghan has the perfect vacation planned for herself and Aidan! Well, what she thought was the “perfect” vacation…The USS Self Discovery Cruise Ship is now stranded on an island in the middle of nowhere. You won’t want to miss this crazy adventure with Rocky Mountain Puppets!
Drums around the World with Kevin Kinane – Drum fun with Kevin Kinane! Get your hands on dozens of percussion instruments as you hit, scrape, and shake your way through this highly interactive music program.
Jack and the Beanstalk with Opera Unlimited – The story of Jack & the Beanstalk possesses just the right larger-than-life characters for a children’s opera. With an adventuresome boy, his sweet mother, a giant and his beleaguered wife, and a mysterious trader in magical beans, the English folktale moves along with energy and personality. Jack & The Beanstalk is designed to encourage an interest and enthusiasm for literature and music through musical theater.
John Polinko’s Magic and Juggling – John will use magic and juggling to excite his audience. Watch him perform mystifying illusions to encourage children to read.
Mr. Stinky Feet’s Beach Party – Calling all captains and sailors! Come ashore and join award-winning kid rocker Mr. Stinky Feet for a swingin’ shindig in the sand. This high energy, interactive musical program features singing, dancing, and jamming in the band.
Nancy and Friends with Nancy Burks Worcester – Ventriloquism at its finest! Fabulous puppets, music, and storytelling. Nancy has been a storyteller and ventriloquist for over 25 years. She and her friends Larry and Crocodile and Waco the Weasel (and more!) teach their audience about kindness, cooperation, and a love of reading.
Pig Out on Reading with Farmer Minor – Farmer Minor will present “True Storytelling” about how Daisy became the “World’s Most Famous Pig” all because she loved libraries and “Pig Books.” Daisy and her pug Dixie Cup will be happy to see all the children at the Albuquerque Public Library this summer!
Pint Sized Polkas with Mike Schneider – Pint Size Polkas presents music and magic from sea to shining sea! Mike Schneider brings the happiest music imaginable and promises tons of fun for the whole family!
Pirates: Lost at Sea with Talewise – Ahoy! Set sail with us this summer on a thrilling action-packed adventure about a crew of quirky pirates marooned on a desert island. With mutiny and high-tide looming, they must rescue their salty captain and find a way to repair their ship before all hope is lost … at sea! Throughout the story, volunteers from the audience will help us explore the incredible science behind clouds, combustion, air pressure and more!
Three Goats Gruff with Opera Unlimited – A musical fable based on the classic fairy tale, but with a twist. There is Nanny the little old granny who is tough as nails, Eunice the teenager, who loves to chew on everything, and the baby, Billy the Kid. This silly family of goats get stuck on the wrong side of a bridge that is guarded by a refined and clever troll. In order to cross, the goats must answer the troll’s riddles. Can they make it across? Only if they use their heads…
