The Free Library’s Summer Reading program in our neighborhood libraries is coming to a close after a super successful season of game playing, dancing, reading, and much more! Having celebrated literacy with kids of all ages, we enjoyed designing fun and free reading-related activities for everyone in their communities. Here are a few creative highlights from the 2016 Summer of Wonder:

The Torresdale Library hosted their 10th annual Read, Eat, and Bowl for kids and teens who registered to participate in Summer Reading. Along with a free bowling game and shoe rental, the library provided food and drinks to all of the children who attended the event at Thunderbird Lanes.

The Whitman Library started welcoming Bella the French Bulldog to their location as part of the PAWS for Reading program. Children read books like Harry the Dirty Dog—written by Gene Zion and illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham—to Bella, who listened patiently and without judgment. Bella went through training to be ready for her work with children and has just recently started her visits with human partner Tawny. Bella reads with six kids during her bimonthly one-hour visits. Get in touch with Becky or Rachel (215-685-1754) to sign up for private reading time with Bella, who will keep visiting Whitman even after our Summer of Wonder is over.

At the Andorra Library, patrons enjoyed free dance lessons with Kathy Kerner. Followed by a dance mob, the lessons were set to “La La La” by Naughty Boy and featuring Sam Smith. A local Applebee’s also donated appetizers, which topped off the day of dancing at Andorra perfectly. Take a look at Andorra's Facebook page for a great video of the event.

Even though the Summer Reading program in neighborhood libraries ends tomorrow, Friday, August 5, Online Summer Reading will still be going strong until August 31st! It’s still the best way to participate, from anywhere at any time, in our Summer of Wonder, and it’s the only way to be entered into a grand prize raffle happening at the end of August. Create an Online Summer Reading account today and you can also find free and inventive activity ideas for all age groups to do at home or around town!

Enjoy the rest of summer, Philadelphia, and as always, Happy Reading!