City of Pullman

As the warm sun rays blanket the Palouse, signaling the arrival of summer, youth and families eagerly anticipate the launch of the highly anticipated Summer Reading Program at Neill Public Library. Neill Public Library's Summer Reading Program has become a beloved annual tradition, drawing in a diverse range of avid readers, book enthusiasts, and families seeking literary experiences and fun activities to keep their minds engaged during the summer months. The program is designed to encourage lifelong learning, foster a love for reading, and promises to offer a variety of fun programming. With an array of exciting activities, fantastic book displays, and enticing incentives, the program aims to inspire individuals of all ages to embrace the magic of reading.

This year's Summer Reading centers around the theme "All Together Now." It encourages participants to come together as a community, explore new perspectives, and delve into new narratives. We are encouraging our readers to try reading something new with our 10 to Try Reading Challenge. Youth can read or listen (audiobooks count) from each of the ten categories on the 10 to Try Reading Challenge bookmark; categories include reading a poem, reading a book featuring a culture other than your own, reading about a current event, and more. Youth will track their reading on their bookmark and turn in the completed bookmark at Neill Public Library. Completed bookmarks turned in by August 31 earn a Mini Squishmallow or Mini Live Succulent Plant. Completed bookmarks turned in by July 29 will receive a prize and be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing for a Kindle Paperwhite or a personalized set of books. Our 10 to Try categories will also be highlighted as part of NPL's in-person displays this summer to help you find your new favorite. 

NPL's Summer Reading Program offers an impressive lineup of events and activities designed to cater to different age groups and interests. Summer Reading Events starts with our all-day Kick-off on Saturday, June 17, and end with our all-day Finale on Saturday, July 29.  Youth of all ages can enjoy the live performances, including the Reptile Lady, Radical Rick, Magician Jeff Evans, and more. Children can attend storytimes twice a week, including our weekly local celebrity guest readers on Thursdays at 10:30 am. Elementary-aged youth and Teens can participate in weekly craft programming, and our favorite all-ages Popsicles on the Patio program is back at 11 am on Thursdays. For complete program details, visit npl-youth.org or NPL's online calendar.

The Summer Reading Program would not be possible without the generous support of our community and Friends of NPL. Their contributions enable the program to provide enriching experiences and ensure that reading remains accessible to all. As the Summer Reading Program gears up, Neill Public Library invites youth and families to participate in this literary celebration. So head to the library, grab a 10 to Try Reading Challenge bookmark, check-out a book, find a cozy spot under the sun, and join us for a summer of togetherness as we read, learn and play 'All Together Now' in our Summer Reading Program!