Posts Tagged ‘summer reading’
Color-Themed Children’s Programs

The 2025 Summer Reading theme is Color Our World, and we have programs lined up to celebrate this vibrant topic for children of all ages!
Monday, June 30
Summer Reading Kick-Off Event, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. For families with children up to Grade 5
Join us for some carnival fun on the Library’s front lawn to celebrate the Summer Reading theme of Color Our World. We’ll have face painting, balloon animals, carnival games, & music. Swing by anytime between 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. No registration required. In the case of inclement weather, please call Emma Clark Library ahead of time: 631.941.4080.
Tuesday, July 1
Petra Puppets: Carnival of Colors, 11:00 a.m. – 12noon. Ages 4 – 11 years old
A ventriloquist show featuring comedy illusions, music, audience participation and a cast of zany characters, including Nugget the wonder Chicken, Okie Dokie, Uncle Buggy and Bruce the Magic Paintbrush. Click here to register starting 6/24.
Monday, July 7
Color Science, 3:00 – 3:45 p.m. Grades 1 – 5
Dive into color-themed experiments! Click here to register starting 6/30.
Thursday, July 10
Bad Art Challenge: A Quest for the Ugliest Masterpiece
Ages 3 – 6 years w/ caregiver, 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Ages 7 – 11, 3:00 – 3:45
Join us as we attempt to create the silliest art projects using a variety of wacky craft supplies. Who will make the kookiest creation? We can’t wait to find out.
Click here to register ages 3 – 6 starting 7/3.
Click here to register ages 7 – 11 starting 7/3.
Making Links with Ink, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Grades K – 5
Explore chromatography with the Long Island Explorium. Click here to register starting 7/3.
Friday, July 11
Color Your Own World, Noon – 2:00 p.m. Grades K – 5
Create your own charming fantasy world, bursting with a rainbow of colors! Children and their caregivers can stop by at any time to turn paper towel rolls into upcycled awesomeness. No registration required.
Wednesday, July 16
Adventure of the Missing Color, 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. Grades K – 5
Through hands-on experiments and fun, interactive stories, Science Heroes will get kids excited about the science that’s all around us as we celebrate the scientists who color our world with art! No registration required.
3D Charm Printed Bracelets, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Grades 2 – 5
Make a unique, colorful bracelet from 3D printed charms with Skullman Prints. Click here to register starting 7/9
Thursday, July 17
Mad Science: Science of Art, 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. Grades K – 2
You will learn the primary, secondary and colors of the rainbow. Then experiment with mixing colors! Click here to register starting 7/10.
Tuesday, July 22
Escape Room: The Prism Paradox, 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. OR 2:45 – 3:15 p.m. OR 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Grades 3 – 5
Search for clues and solve puzzles to shut down the unstable Prism Core!
Click here to register for the 2:00 p.m. program starting 7/15.
Click here to register for the 2:45 p.m. program starting 7/15.
Click here to register for the 3:30 p.m. program starting 7/15.
Wednesday, July 23
Art Adventures, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Ages 3 – 5 years with caregiver
Explore different art mediums in this fun story/craft program with A Time for Kids, Inc. Dress for a mess! Click here to register starting 7/16.
Spin Art, 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. Grades 2 – 5
Find out how you can color your world using centrifugal force in this STEAM art class. Click here to register starting 7/16
Friday, July 25
Colorful Cascading Candles, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Grades 2 – 5
Learn how to make a cascading candle with Curiously Creative Candles. With a variety of embellishments such as glitter, wax charms, and decals to choose from, no two candles come out looking alike! Click here to register starting 7/18
Monday, July 28
Create Your Own Candy Craft, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Grades 2 – 5
Sprinkle some color into your world by building your very own faux gumball machine and ice cream cone with Chris Vivas. Click here to register starting 7/21
Wednesday, July 30
Lights, Color, Action, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Grades 3 – 5
Use spectroscopes and ultraviolet light, then build your own “Technicolor Blender” with Mad Science to demonstrate Newton’s color wheel. Click here to register starting 7/23
Monday, August 4
Squishy Circuits: Colorful Flowers, 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Grades 3 – 5
Get creative and learn about circuits in this fun STEM program! Click here to register starting 7/28
Tuesday, August 5
Bright Blossoms Mobile, 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. Grades 2 – 5
Color your world by making a vibrant flower mobile. Click here to register starting 7/29
Friday, August 8
Grown-Up and Me: Paint Night, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Grades 1 – 5 with caregiver
Experience a colorful evening of creativity and connection! You and your little artist will create your own vibrant masterpiece inspired by Henri Matisse’s “Cat with Red Fish”, led by Art Teacher Amy. Note: Please sign up under one participant’s name – each registration will be counted for 1 adult and 1 child. Click here to register starting 8/1
Monday, August 11
Color-Changing Cuttlefish, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Grades 1 – 5
Did you know that cuttlefish can change the color and texture of their skin? Discover how these “chameleons of the sea” transform their appearance! Mix up a batch of color-changing slime and decorate a colorful jar to keep it in. Presented by the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum. Click here to register starting 8/4
Tuesday, August 12
Make a Kaleidoscope, 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Grades 2 – 5
Discover the science behind kaleidoscopes and build your own! Click here to register starting 8/5
Wednesday, August 13
World Light, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Grades 1 – 5
Create and paint a glowing globe with Jackie Parente. Click here to register starting 8/6
Thursday, August 14
Lollipop Lab, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Grades 3 – 5
Get a crash course in pop art and create a clay lollipop sculpture. Click here to register starting 8/7
Friday, August 15
Seashell Seahorse, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Grades 2 – 5
Craft a stunning seahorse out of colorful seashells with Anna Chan. Click here to register starting 8/8
Monday, August 18
Petal Pop!, 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. Grades K – 5
Create a variety of pressed flower crafts that are sweet, simple, and bursting with color. Click here to register starting 8/11
Wednesday, August 27
Color Splash Endless Summer Bash, 10:00 a.m. – 12noon For families with children up to Grade 5
We’re not ready to say goodbye to summer just yet! Bring the family down for a vibrant celebration filled with crafts and games that keep summer vibes strong! Don’t forget to bring a bag to carry all your awesome crafts and prizes home. No registration required.
Questions? Email kids@emmaclark.org
Register now!

Teens & Tweens, share your love of reading and win awesome PRIZES! (For those entering Grades 6 – 12 in September)
It’s easy to join. Here are step-by-step instructions:
- Click here to register starting June 1. Registration is ongoing, so no worries if you don’t get a chance to register immediately. The program ends on August 17.
- Read any book you’d like – printed books, eBooks, and even audiobooks!
- Log each book in Beanstack, and write a quick “30-Character or More Review” of what you’ve read.
- For each book review, get an eTicket and enter a raffle for one of our fabulous gift baskets! Raffle tickets can be entered into the system for any of the prizes that you choose.
- After the end of the Summer Reading Challenge (August 17), we will contact the raffle winners!
NOTE: If you already have an Individual Account with Beanstack from last year (your own account, not your family’s Kids Summer Reading account), all you need to do is log into your individual account and update your info to register! If you were in the Kids Summer Reading Challenge last year, you must create a new, individual account (separate from your family’s account) to participate in the Teens & Tweens Summer Reading Challenge.
Register by June 30 and enter to win one of our special early registration raffles:
- Gift certificate for a 2-hour rental of 2 kayaks through Paumanok Tours, plus book Paddling Long Island and New York City
- 4 free tickets to the American Museum of Natural History
- 4 free tickets to The Rinx (Hauppauge or Port Jeff)
- 3 free ticket vouchers to The Adventure Park of Long Island
And of course we have our regular raffle baskets! Click here for Frequently Asked Questions AND a listing of the raffle prizes!
How old do I have to be to join the Teens & Tweens Summer Reading Challenge?
The Teens & Tweens Summer Reading Challenge accepts participants based on their grade, not age. The Challenge is for anyone entering Grades 6 – 12; so long as you will be in Grade 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 in the fall of 2025, you are welcome to join the Challenge! Teenagers who have graduated 12th grade cannot join the Teens & Tweens Summer Reading Challenge, but are welcome to sign up for the Adult Summer Reading Challenge!
Emma Clark Library would like to thank the following businesses that support the Library and our community by donating gift cards and merchandise for our Kids, Teens & Tweens, & Adult Summer Reading raffle prizes:
- Adventureland Amusement Park
- The Adventure Park of Long Island
- Applebee’s
- The Argyle Theatre
- The Bench
- Ben’s Garden
- The Bite Size Bake Shop
- The Cheesecake Factory
- College 101 Resource Center
- Crazy Beans
- Faith Czarnecki at Travelista Travels
- Druthers Coffee
- DJ’s Clam Shack
- The Jazz Loft
- Kumon Learning Center of Stony Brook
- Level Up Kitchen Library Cafe
- Long Island Ducks
- Long Island Explorium
- The Long Island Museum
- The Long Island Violin Shop
- Luigi’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
- New York Giants
- New York Jets
- O Sole Mio Ristorante Pizzeria
- Panera Bread
- Paumanok Tours
- Port Jefferson Photography Club
- The Rinx
- Rolling Pin Bakery
- Schnitzels Gastropub
- Setauket Gourmet Delicatessen & Caterers
- Shake Shack
- S.N. and Kamal Sridhar
- Splish Splash
- Staller Center for the Arts
- Stony Brook Wings
- Three Village Historical Society
- Urban Air
- Via Pizza
- Xplore Family Fun Center
Emma Clark employees, trustees, and members of their household are not eligible to enter contests/raffles.
Any other questions? Email teens@emmaclark.org
Register now!

2025 Kids Summer Reading Challenge (SRC) – Read any books you want! Win Prizes!
For babies – those entering 5th Grade in September…
⭐️Special early registration raffle prizes if you register by June 30!⭐️More raffle prizes at the end of SRC!⭐️Prize bags given to ALL KIDS who complete SRC!
- Click here to register. Registration is ongoing throughout the summer. You don’t need to register by a certain date, BUT if you register by June 30 you will be entered into special registration raffles! (see below for more info)
- You may use the computer or download the Beanstack app (available on iTunes or Google Play stores). If you are unsure about how to do it online, call the Children’s Department at 631.941.4080 ext.123.
- Every child who finishes SRC will get a prize bag (each child must read at least 7 books to complete the challenge). Prize bags will be available starting Monday, August 4. SRC ends on Sunday, August 17.
- We’ll also have raffle prizes at the end of SRC! The kids will be able to earn an eTicket each week, and raffle tickets can be entered into the system for any of the prizes they choose. Kids may enter all different raffles, or all the same, however they want to distribute their tickets. Tickets will be pulled, and winners will be announced at the end of SRC after Sunday, August 17. Listing of raffle prizes here!
- Prefer paper? Click here to print out a paper log.
Click here for our handy “Frequently Asked Questions”
Click here for instructions on the app.
Register by June 30 and enter to win one of our special early registration raffles:
- Prize #1: 2 free passes to Adventureland Amusement Park, special prize bag, and children’s book
- Prize #2: 4-pack of tickets to the American Museum of Natural History, special prize bag, and children’s book
- Prize #3: 4 tickets to the Long Island Ducks for the 2025 season, a signed baseball, special prize bag, and children’s book
- Prize #4: 2 free tickets to Splish Splash, special prize bag, and children’s book
Show your School Spirit and win the EMMA CUP!
The school that has the highest percentage of children that sign up for AND finish SRC (each child must read at least 7 books to complete the program) will have their school’s name engraved on the trophy. This friendly competition is always a lot of fun each year!
Did you submit your child’s photos for the Summer Reading decorations? We have them up in our Children’s Department! We’ll also be posting photos on our Facebook and Instagram pages, so be sure to be on the lookout there!
What are the benefits of using the Beanstack program? Besides acting as an online book log (think of it as a “Fitbit for Reading”), there are other benefits to recording what you’ve read via the website, app, or Alexa, such as weekly book recommendations based on your child’s age, reading level, and interests. Parents and children will also be able to view themed guides on topics of interest (ranging from “Let’s Explore Rainbows” to “Stargazing”). When the child logs their books read, he/she will receive colorful electronic badges and earn raffle tickets for the many baskets that can be won this summer. Kids will also have the option to write book reviews and read learning tips for each book selected.
Emma Clark Library would like to thank the following businesses that support the Library and our community by donating gift cards and merchandise for our Kids, Teens & Tweens, & Adult Summer Reading raffle prizes:
- Adventureland Amusement Park
- The Adventure Park of Long Island
- Applebee’s
- The Argyle Theatre
- The Bench
- Ben’s Garden
- The Bite Size Bake Shop
- The Cheesecake Factory
- College 101 Resource Center
- Crazy Beans
- Faith Czarnecki at Travelista Travels
- Druthers Coffee
- DJ’s Clam Shack
- The Jazz Loft
- Kumon Learning Center of Stony Brook
- Level Up Kitchen Library Cafe
- Long Island Explorium
- The Long Island Museum
- The Long Island Violin Shop
- Luigi’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
- New York Giants
- New York Jets
- O Sole Mio Ristorante Pizzeria
- Panera Bread
- Paumanok Tours
- Port Jefferson Photography Club
- The Rinx
- Rolling Pin Bakery
- Schnitzels Gastropub
- Setauket Gourmet Delicatessen & Caterers
- Shake Shack
- S.N. and Kamal Sridhar
- Splish Splash
- Staller Center for the Arts
- Stony Brook Wings
- Three Village Historical Society
- Urban Air
- Via Pizza
- Xplore Family Fun Center
Emma Clark employees, trustees, and members of their household are not eligible to enter contests/raffles.
Any other questions? Email kids@emmaclark.org
Teen Summer Reading – Log those books!

Teens share your love of reading and win awesome PRIZES! (For those entering Grades 7 – 12 in September)
It’s easy to join. Here are step-by-step instructions:
- Click here to register. Registration is ongoing, so no worries if you don’t get a chance to register immediately. The program ends on August 18.
- Read any book you’d like – printed books, eBooks, and even audiobooks!
- Log each book in Beanstack, and write a quick “30-Character or More Review” of what you’ve read.
- For each book review, get an eTicket and enter a raffle for one of our fabulous gift baskets! Raffle tickets can be entered into the system for any of the prizes that you choose.
- At the end of the Summer Reading Challenge (August 18, 2024) we will contact the raffle winners!
NOTE: If you already have an Individual Account with Beanstack from last year (your own account, not your family’s Kids Summer Reading account), all you need to do is log into your individual account and update your info to register! If you were in the Kids Summer Reading Challenge last year, you must create a new, individual account (separate from your family’s account) to participate in the Teen Summer Reading Challenge.
Register by June 30 and enter to win one of our special early registration raffles:
- 2 free tickets to Adventureland Amusement Park
- 2 free tickets to The Adventure Park
- Gift certificate for a 2-hour rental of 2 kayaks through Paumanok Tours
And of course we have our regular raffle baskets! Click here for Frequently Asked Questions AND a listing of the raffle prizes!
How old do I have to be to join the Teen Summer Reading Challenge?
The Teen Summer Reading Challenge accepts participants based on their grade, not age. The Challenge is for anyone entering grades 7-12; so long as you will be in Grade 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 in the fall of 2024, you are welcome to join the Challenge! Teenagers who have graduated 12th grade cannot join the Teen Summer Reading Challenge, but are welcome to register for any Adult programs offered over the summer!
Emma Clark Library would also like to thank the following businesses that support the Library and our community by donating gift cards and merchandise for Kids and Teens Summer Reading raffle prizes:
- Adventureland Amusement Park
- The Adventure Park of Long Island
- Applebee’s
- The Argyle Theatre
- Ben’s Garden
- The Bench
- Chico’s Tex Mex
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- College 101 Resource Center
- Crazy Beans
- D.J.’s Clam Shack
- Domo Sushi
- Druthers Coffee
- Embody Massage & Wellness
- Evolve Bank & Trust Mortgage – Janice Schweiger
- Faith Czarnecki at Travelista Travels
- John Braile Photography
- Kumon Learning Center
- Level Up Kitchen Library Cafe
- Long Island Explorium
- The Long Island Museum
- Luigi’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
- North Shore Properties Realty – Gina Lollo
- O Sole Mio Ristorante Pizzeria
- Panera Bread
- Paumanok Tours
- Port Jeff Bowl
- Port Jefferson Cinemas
- Port Jefferson Photography Club
- The Rinx
- Rolling Pin Bakery
- Setauket Gourmet Delicatessen & Caterers
- Silver Stars Gymnastics
- Sonic
- S.N. and Kamal Sridhar
- Splish Splash Water Park
- Staller Center for the Arts
- Stony Brook Pizza
- Súp Vietnamese Phở & Grill
- Urban Air
- Via Pizza
- Xplore Family Fun Center
Emma Clark employees, trustees, and members of their household are not eligible to enter contests/raffles.
Any other questions? Email teens@emmaclark.org
Kids Summer Reading – Log those books!

2024 Kids Summer Reading Challenge (SRC) – Read any books you want! Win Prizes!
For Newborns – those entering 6th Grade in September…
⭐️Special early registration raffle prizes if you register by June 30!⭐️More raffle prizes at the end of SRC!⭐️Prize bags given to ALL KIDS who complete SRC!
- Click here to register. Registration is ongoing throughout the summer. You don’t need to register by a certain date, BUT if you register by June 30 you will be entered into special registration raffles! (see below for more info)
- You may use the computer or download the Beanstack app (available on iTunes or Google Play stores). Once registered, you can even log books through the Amazon Echo device (“Alexa”)! See blue links below for more info. If you are unsure about how to do it online, call the Children’s Department at 631.941.4080 ext.123.
- Every child who finishes SRC will get a prize bag (each child must read at least 7 books to complete the challenge). Prize bags will be available starting Monday, August 5. SRC ends on Sunday, August 18.
- We’ll also have raffle prizes at the end of SRC! The kids will be able to earn an eTicket each week, and raffle tickets can be entered into the system for any of the prizes they choose. Kids may enter all different raffles, or all the same, however they want to distribute their tickets. Tickets will be pulled, and winners will be announced at the end of SRC after Sunday, August 18. Listing of raffle prizes here!
- Prefer paper? Click here to print out a paper log.
Click here for our handy “Frequently Asked Questions”
Click here for instructions on the app.
Click here for instructions on how to use the Amazon Echo (“Alexa”) to log Summer Reading.
Register by June 30 and enter to win one of our special early registration raffles:
- Prize #1:
- Two Free Passes to Adventureland Amusement Park
- Two Free Kids’ Ice Cream Sundaes at Applebee’s
- Coupons to Monster Chicken
- Special Prize Bag
- Children’s Book
- Prize #2:
- Signed baseball and voucher for 4 tickets for the Long Island Ducks 2025 season
- Two Free Kids’ Ice Cream Sundaes at Applebee’s
- Coupons to Monster Chicken
- Special Prize Bag
- Children’s Book
- Prize #3:
- Two Free Days of Summer Camp at Silver Stars Gymnastics
- Two Free Kids’ Ice Cream Sundaes at Applebee’s
- Coupons to Monster Chicken
- Special Prize Bag
- Children’s Book
- Prize #4:
- Two Free Tickets to Splish Splash Water Park
- Two Free Kids’ Ice Cream Sundaes at Applebee’s
- Coupons to Monster Chicken
- Special Prize Bag
- Children’s Book
Show your School Spirit and win the EMMA CUP!
The school that has the highest percentage of children that sign up for AND finish SRC (each child must read at least 7 books to complete the program) will have their school’s name engraved on the trophy. This friendly competition is always a lot of fun each year!
Did you submit your child’s photos for the Summer Reading decorations? We have them up in our Children’s Department! We’ll also be posting photos on our Facebook and Instagram pages, so be sure to be on the lookout there!
What are the benefits of using the Beanstack program? Besides acting as an online book log (think of it as a “Fitbit for Reading”), there are other benefits to recording what you’ve read via the website, app, or Alexa, such as weekly book recommendations based on your child’s age, reading level, and interests. Parents and children will also be able to view themed guides on topics of interest (ranging from “Let’s Explore Rainbows” to “Stargazing”). When the child logs their books read, he/she will receive colorful electronic badges and earn raffle tickets for the many baskets that can be won this summer. Kids will also have the option to write book reviews and read learning tips for each book selected.
Emma Clark Library would like to thank the following businesses that support the Library and our community by donating gift cards and merchandise for Kids and Teens Summer Reading raffle prizes:
- Adventureland Amusement Park
- The Adventure Park of Long Island
- Applebee’s
- The Argyle Theatre
- Ben’s Garden
- The Bench
- Chico’s Tex Mex
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- College 101 Resource Center
- Crazy Beans
- D.J.’s Clam Shack
- Domo Sushi
- Druthers Coffee
- Embody Massage & Wellness
- Evolve Bank & Trust Mortgage – Janice Schweiger
- Faith Czarnecki at Travelista Travels
- John Braile Photography
- Kumon Learning Center
- Level Up Kitchen Library Cafe
- Long Island Ducks
- Long Island Explorium
- The Long Island Museum
- Luigi’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
- North Shore Properties Realty – Gina Lollo
- O Sole Mio Ristorante Pizzeria
- Panera Bread
- Paumanok Tours
- Port Jeff Bowl
- Port Jefferson Cinemas
- Port Jefferson Photography Club
- The Rinx
- Rolling Pin Bakery
- Setauket Gourmet Delicatessen & Caterers
- Silver Stars Gymnastics
- Sonic
- S.N. and Kamal Sridhar
- Splish Splash Water Park
- Staller Center for the Arts
- Stony Brook Pizza
- Súp Vietnamese Phở & Grill
- Urban Air
- Via Pizza
- Xplore Family Fun Center
Emma Clark employees, trustees, and members of their household are not eligible to enter contests/raffles.
Any other questions? Email kids@emmaclark.org