Kids dance to “Music with Mr. Liam.”
Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen
EAST LONGMEADOW — Hundreds of children were joined by their families at the East Longmeadow Public Library for the June 11 kickoff to the 2025 summer reading season. The library was filled with raffles, swag bags and activities. There was also children’s entertainment, billed as Music with Mr. Liam and Magic with Ed. The theme of this year’s summer reading is “Level Up at Your Library.”
Library Director Katie McGonigle said summer reading is much different from years ago. The literacy app Beanstalk has partnered with the national summer reading program to give students a plethora of reading materials, including books, newspapers, audio books and e-books.
“It all counts,” said McGonigle. People also track their reading through Beanstalk, which can be accessed from any device. There are reading recommendation lists available and McGonigle said the librarians are always willing to help people find materials. There are small goals that students can set, earning rewards along the way.
Summer reading is largely used to keep students from losing reading proficiency over the summer months, but it is not just for children. Adults can also participate in the program, setting goals and achieving a reward in August.
“The encompassing program” was “definitely a community-wide effort,” McGonigle said. Staff from the Council on Aging, Historical Commission and Library Board of Trustees, as well as the Friends of the East Longmeadow Library, set up tables at the kickoff and contributed to the program. She said the School Department had been a “great partner.” The program was sponsored by businesses and organizations, both local and from across the state. In addition to the East Longmeadow Public Library, some of the major sponsors include the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Massachusetts Library System, Mass Cultural Council, iREAD Reading Programs and the Boston Bruins.
Summer reading runs through Aug. 11. To learn more about East Longmeadow Public Library’s summer reading program, visit tinyurl.com/5xeff35a.
