Princeton Public Library: July Top 5 For Under 5

Press release from Princeton Public Library:

Martha Liu

June 28, 2021

We invite you to check out this month’s PPL Youth Services recommendations for activities, resources and new books in the library collection for children up to five years old and their families.

Summer Nights Series at Princeton Shopping Center

The library has partnered with Princeton Shopping Center to bring a series of outdoor events on the courtyard lawn enjoyable for all ages this summer, including families with young children. The fun kicks off on Friday, July 9, at 6:00 p.m. with a rollicking performance by the Billy Joel tribute band, “We May Be Right,” and a celebration of the official Courtyard Mural Dedication, a community presentation of the first mural in a series of three by the talented team of artists at the Arts Council of Princeton. The series continues all summer and into early fall with more live music, outdoor movie nights, festivals, and family-friendly activities. All programming for the “Summer Nights Series” is free and open to the public.

Summer Reading 2021

Have you signed your child up yet for Summer Reading 2021? Sign up online and take the 20-day challenge. Read with your child for 20 days (in a row or not) to earn a virtual badge and an entry into our raffle. Complete extra early literacy activity challenges to earn additional badges and raffle entries. Raffle prizes include gift cards to jaZams Toy and Book Store in downtown Princeton given to multiple winners. So what are you waiting for? Check out this video and sign up today. Summer Reading 2021 ends August 15.

I Spy @ the Library

When you visit the third floor of the library this summer, be sure to check out the display case for a rotating “I Spy” activity. In conjunction with this year’s Summer Reading theme, “Reading Colors Your World,” each week’s display will feature a collection of random objects sharing the same color. If you and your little one can find all of the items listed in an accompanying “I Spy” poem, a small reward will be given. This activity has many hidden early literacy practices, including boosting vocabulary and narrative skills.

Storytime At Home: Summer

Now that summer is in full swing, celebrate the season by creating a unique storytime experience for the child or children in your care from our staff-curated list. Choose 2-3 books to read, sing a song or two, do an activity and learn together. Many of our favorite summer-themed picture books are featured on the list, including this new picture book all about summer fun at the community pool: Bubbles…Up! by Jaqueline Davies.

The Watershed Institute

While open all year round, the Watershed Institute in nearby Pennington is especially fun to visit in the summer. The top two favorite annual summer events are the Fairy Festival on July 17 and the Butterfly Festival on August 7, with lots of family-friendly activities. Along with preschool nature classes, a butterfly house, and a newly reopened educational nature center, the Watershed is lovely to visit any day you fancy a walk in the woods.

Photo by MI PHAM on Unsplash

This press release was produced by Princeton Public Library. The views expressed here are the author’s own.