Summer Reading Program 2025

Summer Reading Program officially kicks off May 31, and continues through the end of July! Read on to learn more about reading challenges, events, and programs for children, teens and adults.

• Jump to Youth Summer Reading Program (ages 0 to 9)

• Jump to Teen Summer Reading Program (ages 10-18)

• Jump to Adult Summer Reading Program (ages 18+)

Youth Summer Reading Program

Reading Challenge!

Starting June 1 and continuing through July 26, children are invited to read (or be read to) for 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Completion of the Youth Reading Challenge will earn your family a free pass to our End-of-the-Summer Pool Party on Saturday, July 26, along with other prizes! Pick up your challenge log sheets and get the rest of the details at the library, starting Monday, May 19.

Art “Messtival” Kick-Off Event!

Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. to noon, at Carriage Factory Art Gallery and Krehbiel Park. Join us for outdoor art projects, a scavenger hunt, and more! Water play begins at 11:30 a.m., when the Newton Fire/EMS Department arrives to help with “clean-up!” Ages 0-9, with caregivers. No registration required.

Activities for School-Aged Children

These activities are open to children who have completed grades K-4. All will meet at Newton Public Library.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED! June registration opens at 8 a.m. on May 19. July registration opens at 8 a.m. on June 16. Click the links below to register, and for more info on each events.

Rainbow Art Explorations

Red Week: June 3, 10 AM (grades K-2) with Beth Burns. Draw and paint with the inspiration of Yayoi Kusama’s polka dots. Click here to register, starting 8 a.m. May 19.

Orange Week: June 10, 10 AM (grades 3-4) with Beth Burns. Use oil pastels for Georgia O’Keefe inspired landscapes and flowers. Click here to register, starting 8 a.m. May 19.

Yellow Week: June 17, 10 AM (grades K-2) & 11:15 AM (grades 3-4) with Susan Bartel. Paint stars with watercolor techniques that will make your creations ‘shine’. Click here for grades K-2 registration. Click here for grades 3-4 registration. Registration opens 8 a.m. May 19.

Green Week: June 24, 10 AM (grades K-2) and 11:15 AM (grades 3-4) with Kacie Schmidt. Create green-themed 3D collages inspired by mother earth’s plants and creatures. Click here for grades K-2 registration. Click here for grades 3-4 registration. Registration opens 8 a.m. May 19.

Blue Week: July 1, 10 AM (grades K-2) & 11:15 AM (grades 3-4) with Kacie Schmidt. Create swirling blue painted paper and transform it into mixed media ocean scenes. Click here for grades K-2 registration. Click here for grades 3-4 registration. Registration opens 8 a.m. June 16.

Indigo Week: July 8, 10 AM (grades K-4, with adult caregiver) with Ms. Sara. Tie-dye a drawstring bag in the “shibori” (Japanese tie-dye) style with indigo dye. Click here to register, starting 8 a.m. June 16.

Violet Week: July 15, 10 AM (grades K-2) & 11:15 AM (grades 3-4) with Geli Chavez. Explore printmaking techniques: cyanotype sun prints and monotypes on sandpaper. Click here for grades K-2 registration. Click here for grades 3-4 registration. Registration opens 8 a.m. June 16.

Lego Challenge Club

Build a colorful world with LEGO! Complete a new challenge each week! For kids who just completed grades 2-4.

Activities for Families

No registration required, unless otherwise noted.

STEMusic Live Family Concert! Monday, June 9, 1 p.m. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math come to life through music that allows the next generation of multicultural STEM professionals to sing and dance along! (Ages 4 and up)

Color Your World with Mad Science! Wednesday, June 25, 1 p.m. “Mad Science!” will bring color to chemistry through indoor fireworks, a Tesla coil, rainbow reactions and more! (Ages 4 and up).

Papel Picado Family Workshop, Saturday, June 28, 10-11:30 a.m. In collaboration with Latino Vision Association and the Carriage Factory Art Gallery, families will learn about “papel picado,” a traditional Mexican craft that features colorful banners with cut-out designs. Participants will make one to take home and one for display on the Newton Art Walk! (Ages 5 and up. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult.) Click here to register, starting 8 a.m. May 19.

Aaron Fowler Family Concert, Monday, July 7, 1 p.m. Enjoy singing, moving, playing instruments, and stories with Aaron Fowler! Aaron will share from his children’s book series, “The Adventures of Bella and Choco,” and bring along his dog Mr. Kuumba for lots of puppy kisses. (Ages 4 and up).

Go on an Adventure with Science Heroes! Wednesday, July 23, 1 p.m. Through hands-on experiments and fun, interactive stories, “Science Heroes” get kids excited about the science that’s all around us as we celebrate the scientists who color our world with art! (Ages 5 and up).

Youth Artist Showcase, Thursday, July 17, 6-8 p.m. View art created by participants in summer programs during a drop-in gallery event. Part of the Newton Third Thursday Art Walk!

End-of-Summer Pool Party, Saturday, July 26, 6-8 p.m., at Newton Municipal Pool. Complete our Summer Reading Challenge to earn a ticket for the whole family!

Summer StoryTimes!

No registration required.

  • Family: Mondays, 6:30 p.m.
  • Baby (0-18 months): Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.
  • 18 Months & Up: Wednesdays, 11 a.m., & Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.
  • 3 & Up: Thursdays, 11 a.m.

Baby/Toddler Play Times: Wednesdays, June 25 & July 23, 9:30-11 a.m. Join Parents as Teachers of Harvey County and Infant Toddler Services of Harvey County for a morning of play with your little ones (ages 0-36 months), and conversation. There will be no Baby StoryTime on these dates.

Questions? Email children’s librarian Sara Rickard, srickard@newtonplks.org, or call the library, 316-283-2890. Looking forward to a great summer at the library!

Teen Summer Reading Program (Ages 10-18)

Hello from your new Teen Librarian, Maggie Hairabedian! Maggie joined Newton Public Library this April and has been so excited to plan a summer of activities, hear what you’re reading over the summer, and give out prizes for those eligible in the Summer Reading Program challenge. Maggie earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Art in English (Literature) from Pittsburg State University. In 2024, she earned a Master’s in Library Science from Emporia State University. When you see her at the library, be sure to say hi! You’ve probably seen her 1-year-old at NPL’s story time. Her family loves NPL. 

Maggie incorporated the 2025 summer reading program theme “Color our World” with a lot of neat interactive activities for 10-18 year olds to participate in. You’ll also notice events exploring all different types of topics from K-POP dancing, to Dash robots, to Love on Leash (therapy dogs), Manga, and more. It’s important to your Teen Librarian to try to have an event that excites everyone. We have tons of opportunities to plan more events in the future, so be sure to let Maggie know what interests you! She hopes to see you at the end of the summer pool party!

Reading Challenge

Participate in the Teen Read Every Day Challenge to earn prizes, June 1-26! Pre-register at the library starting May 19. The goal? To read at least 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for a total of 800 minutes or more by the end of the summer!

Those who log 800 minutes of reading (audiobook reading/listening counts!) will score a free ticket to the end-of-summer pool party, July 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Newton Municipal Pool!

How do I participate? Teens will have the option of logging their reading minutes via an app called Reader Zone. We will also have the option to fill out a form, if that’s your preference. Here’s how to get started tracking your minutes with ReaderZone:

  1. Download the Reader Zone mobile app in your app store, or use the website ReaderZone.com.
  2. Click “Sign Up” and add your name. (Sign up as “Parent” if you’re adding multiple names.)
  3. Click on “My Programs” and enter the code Read2025! in the box provided, selecting the correct age group.
  4. Now, log your time spent reading! Click on “Reading Entry” and start the timer when you’re beginning a reading session. When you’re done, hit the pause icon. If you forgot to start or stop the timer, click “Reset” and use the “Manual Entry” feature to enter your reading time.

Kick-Off Event: Printmaking with Legos

4 p.m. Thursday, May 29. Join artist Geli Chavez and explore how everyday objects like LEGO bricks can be transformed into unique printmaking tools. Ages 10-18

Teen Library of Things

Every Friday at 4 PM (except for July 4), teens will have the opportunity to play outdoor games from NPL’s Library of Things. The library will provide games, water, and snacks! Wear your sunscreen, get out your sunglasses, find your bucket hat, and join us! No registration required.

Special Events

Gray for a Day with Abby Vaughn, 2 p.m. June 10. Gray for a Day is a simulation experience that utilizes an empathic approach to educate individuals on the age-related sensory and functional challenges that some older adults might face. Join your local K-State Research and Extension office at Newton Public Library to learn about how you can better take care of yourself now to age well into the future. For ages 10-18; registration is required and opens May 19. Click here to register with Newton Public Library, and click here to register with K-State Research and Extension. Please fill out both registration forms. *

Squeegee Painting with Kacie Schmidt, 4 p.m. Thurs., June 26. Go wild with paint! Create unique squeegee-painted backgrounds. Using these vibrant backdrops, you’ll design expressive and abstract portraits of your favorite pets or animals. No art experience needed! For ages 10-18; registration required. Click here to register, starting 8 a.m. May 19.

Asteroid Day with CJ Day, 4 p.m. Mon., June 30. Learn about asteroids before creating your own world in space. For ages 10-14; registration not required.

MIT Spokes, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. July 7. Come to the library for fun, interactive and educational STEM activities at this day-camp-style event, with lunch provided. For ages 10-14; registration required.

DASH Robots with Marcia Oden, 4 p.m. Tues, July 15. STEM with coding, programming, and robotics! In partnership with K-State Research and Extension, we will learn and work with programming and coding to complete various courses and tasks with Dash. Dash is a quirky little robot with many surprising talents. We will have several Dash Robots along with tablets for youth to work in pairs, competing against other teams to complete challenges. For ages 10-18; registration is required and opens May 19. Click here to register with Newton Public Library, and click here to register with K-State Research and Extension. Please fill out both registration forms. *

Fast Fuel Kitchen with Abby Vaughn, 4-5:30 p.m. Tues., July 22. Join K-State Research and Extension for a nutrition/cooking session aimed at teaching youth how to make quick, healthy meals with limited appliances. Participants will learn how to utilize multiple ingredients in a variety of ways, reduce recipes, and have the opportunity to make a recipe! This is a great leraning experience for both young and experienced cooks! Click here to register with Newton Public Library, and click here to register with K-State Research and Extension. Please fill out both registration forms. *

Anime & Manga 101, with Christa & Dalton Capps, 4 p.m. Mon., July 28. Get recommendations on how to start reading manga (Japanese comics) by learning what makes them unique and common terminology. For ages 10-18; registration not required.

* K-State Research and Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Program information may be available in languages other than English. Language access requests and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including alternative means for communication (e.g., Braille, large print, audio tape, and American Sign Language), may be requested by contacting the event contact (Abby Vaughn) four weeks prior to the start of the event at 316-284-6930. Requests received after this date will be honored when it is feasible to do so. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Adult Summer Reading Program

Reading Challenge

Starting June 1 and continuing through July 26, participate in the Read Every Day Challenge! Read 20 minutes a day, at least five days a week, and be entered to win gift cards from local businesses throughout the summer. Earn additional entries by attending Adult SRP special events, listed below. All entries will be retained for an end-of-summer grand prize drawing! Pick up your challenge log sheets at the library starting Monday, May 19.

Special Events

Join us for these special events geared toward adults, happening throughout the summer! Most events do not require advance registration; those that do are noted.

Kansas Author Talk: Tim Bascom on Continental Drift, 7 p.m. Thurs., May 29. Join Tim Bascom for an author talk and Q&A. Bascom is director of the Kansas Book Festival and author of six books, including this his newest. Continental Drift is a collection of short stories about a diverse array of travelers who cross borders between African nations and the U.S.

The Wonderful World of Ceramics, with Conrad Snider, 6:30 p.m. Thurs., June 5. Join us at Newton Public Library for an artist talk with Newton’s own Conrad Snider! Conrad is known for his large-scale ceramic works, including several public art pieces in Newton and the Wichita area.

Never Quit: How Glenn Cunningham Overcame Adversity to Become America’s Greatest Miler, 6:30 p.m. Thurs., June 12. After a childhood accident, Kansan Glenn Cunningham was told he might never walk again – yet in 1934, he set a world record in the 1-mile run. His daughter, Cindy Cunningham, will share memories and highlight his newly published memoir.

Author Talk: Jillian Forsberg’s The Porcelain Menagerie, 6:30 p.m. Tues., June 17.The Wichitan and author of The Rhino Keeper returns to talk about her sophomore novel and the real history on which it is based.

Library After Hours, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Fri., June 20. Join an adults-only special event where you can find new books, read with minimal distractions, socialize, and enjoy snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

Watercolor Workshop with Susan Bartel, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Sat., June 21. Create your own watercolor masterpiece with local artist Susan Bartel. Registration is required, and space is limited. Click here to sign up, starting May 19 at 8 a.m. Learn more about Susan at susanbartelart.com, and at “Susan Bartel Art” on Facebook and Instagram.

The Power of Color at Home, with Kaylee Mansfield, 2 p.m. Sat., June 21. Discover how colors shape the way we feel, live, and connect in our homes. Interior designer Kaylee Mansfield will talk about color theory, the psychology of indoor spaces, and how everyday design decisions reflect culture and personality.

Blackout Poetry Workshop, 6:30-8 p.m. Wed., June 25. Blackout poetry takes pre-existing texts, such as newspaper clippings, and uses them to create poems by highlighting certain words and phrases while “blacking out” others. In this workshop, we’ll look at some blackout poems for inspiration, then make our own poems/collages. Supplies provided, but you can bring your own newspapers, magazines or other texts to “black out” if you’d like. Registration is required and opens on May 19.

Explore Fiber Art, with Malissa Long, 6:30 p.m. Wed., July 9. Fiber artist Malissa Long is a passionate seamstress and lover of “all things sewn.” She will join us at NPL to talk about her journey as an artist and share her work.

Coffee & Coloring at Norm’s Coffee Bar, 6-8 p.m. Thurs., July 17. Visit Norm’s Coffee Bar, 613 N. Main Street, during the Third Thursday Art Walk to relax with coffee and coloring. Coloring pages for both adults and kids will be provided, along with colored pencils and crayons. The Boundless Bookworms Book Club will also meet at Norm’s during this event.

Team Trivia at the Library, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fri., July 18. Enjoy an evening of team-based, bar-style trivia competition! Assemble a team of 2 to 4, or sign up solo and meet some new trivia buddies. Registration is required and opens on June 16.

Mini-Mosaics, with Mary Lee-McDonald, 6:30 p.m. Mon., July 21. Create a mini-mosaic and learn about Mary’s mosaic art practice, including the large donor wall that serves as a centerpiece for Newton Public Library.Registration is required and opens on June 16.

Collage Creations with Generative AI, 6:30 p.m. Tues., July 22. Participants will create tabletop collages using traditional art supplies, then watch as AI transforms the collages in real-time, guided by custom prompts. Along with the hands-on activity, we’ll learn a bit about the technology of AI, and explore some of the questions and debates around this emerging field.Registration is required and opens on June 16.

Life in Kansas During the Dust Bowl, 6:30 p.m. Tues., July 29.Black Sunday: April 14, 1935. The photos from that day of the dust storm in southwest Kansas made headlines across America. Using eyewitness accounts and photographs, Katie Keckeisen explores the impact of the “Dust Bowl.” Presented with support from Humanities Kansas.

Photography Club

The Fourth Tuesday Photography Club meets monthly from January through October — usually, but not always, on the Fourth Tuesday of the month! Here’s what we have planned for this summer.

History Through a Lens: Manzanar and Amache National Historic Sites, 7 p.m. Tues., May 27. Manzanar and Camp Amache were two of 10 American concentration camps where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II. Photographer Mike Mendoza offers this presentation highlighting his images of the camps. The photos “show one of the harder parts of the story of our country,” Mike writes, “but the courage and strength that these Americans personified through adversity give new meaning to ‘land of the free and home of the brave.’”

Controlling Perspective in Photography, with Jim Griggs, 7 p.m. Tues., June 24. Controlling perspective in photography lets you go from flat, static images to dynamic compositions that convey scale, depth, and a sense of place. Semi-professional photographer Jim Griggs will talk about how to make this practice a routine part of your approach to taking photos.

Meet-Up at Wichita Art Museum, 10 a.m. Saturday, July 12. We will take advantage of the Wichita Art Museum’s free admission day to view “Homeward to the Prairie I Come”: Gordon Parks Photographs from the Beach Museum of Art. Meet at the museum’s front entrance at 10 a.m. After we’re done viewing the exhibit and taking part in the day’s special activities, those who wish to do so will head to a nearby restaurant for lunch together.

Book Clubs

Newton Public Library’s year-round book clubs continue to meet monthly during the summer! Book clubs are free and open to the public. Starting about a month before each discussion, copies of the selected book are available to borrow. Just ask at the public service desk.

  • 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 4: The Prime Suspects Book Club discusses The Escape Artist, by Brad Meltzer.
  • 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 10: The Strange New Worlds Book Club discusses The Mercy of Gods, by James S.A. Corey.
  • 12 p.m. Friday, June 13: The Nonfiction Book Club discusses The Color of Law, by Richard Rothstein.
  • 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19: The Boundless Bookworms discuss Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead, by Olga Tokarczuk.
  • 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 26: The Sugar & Spice Book Club discusses The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
  • 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 2: The Prime Suspects Book Club discusses The Godfather, by Mario Puzo.
  • 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 8: The Strange New Worlds Book Club discusses Renegades, by Davis Liss.
  • 12 p.m. Friday, July 11: The Nonfiction Book Club discusses
  • 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17: The Boundless Bookworms discuss Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. This discussion will be held at Norm’s Coffee Bar, 613 N. Main.
  • 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24: The Sugar & Spice Book Club discusses Merry and Bright, by Debbie Macomber.