Greetings!
This is just about our favorite time of year, when we kickoff summer reading. Our "Mile Square Summer Reading" theme means this year's programs, activities, and titles will have a local flavor. And what is particularly fun is that we are having our kickoff right across the street from the library in our hometown centerpiece: Church Square Park.

The kickoff happens on Saturday, June 11, from 11 am to 3 pm. This celebration of reading and literacy has a number of benefits, tailored to children, teens, and adults:

Summer days off from school are fun, but younger readers away from the daily experience of school work can experience the "summer slide" when hard-earned reading, comprehension and literacy skills can weaken. Mile Square Summer Reading gives younger readers fun reading challenges that can improve those skills; they will be ready to face September's school work with reading confidence.

For tweens and teens, summer reading is a chance to refine and improve skills while exploring other literary experiences. Tweens can continue enjoying graphic novels, and take on chapter books. Teens can take the time to read "recreationally" to gain a deeper understanding of topics that interest them.

But what about adult readers? Is Summer Reading for you? Yes! Mile Square Summer Reading is your opportunity to delve into other reading genres. For example, if you're a fan of mysteries, have you considered history? (There are a lot of mysteries in history, too.) There is just so much more to enjoy.

I look forward to seeing you at our Mile Square Summer Reading kickoff in Church Square Park, on Saturday, June 11, from 11 am to 3 pm. There will be plenty of fun and games for everyone.
̶̶ Jennie Pu
Library Director
Here's are just some events to look forward to at our Mile Square Summer Reading Kickoff

The Lizard Guys
11 am: Come mingle with some really unusual lizards, snakes, turtles, frogs, and bugs. Ages 5+. Register here.
Hoboken Kids Crafts
12 pm: Join us for a variety of Hoboken-themed crafts and coloring activities. All ages. No registration required. 
Bubble Dance Party
1 pm: We will be playing with bubbles and dancing to our favorite story-time songs. All ages. No registration required. 
Teen Field Day
12 pm - 2 pm: The park will be full of games, challenges, and the chance to win prizes. Age 11+. No registration required.
Demolition String Band
2 pm: Demolition String Band’s Elena Skye & Boo Reiners weave harmonies out of joy and heartbreak, despair and redemption, myths and truths ... all great topics for a Summer Reading book.

You can sign up right now for Mile Square Summer Reading,
but we still want you to come enjoy the Kickoff party.
Don't miss these great events coming up soon...
Tuesday, May 31, at 10 am
Via Zoom

Join acclaimed children's book author and illustrator Yangsook Choi as she takes you through the creative process of bookmaking. How it starts with the power of imagination, the challenges of writing and rewriting, storyboarding, and illustrating, and how her problem-solving skills helped her create books loved by children around the globe.

You must register for this Zoom event; you will receive the Zoom link 30 minutes before the event. Please click here to register.
Wednesday, June 1 at 4 pm

Let's go birding. Meet us in front of the Hoboken Public Library at 500 Park Avenue as Mr. Train guides young naturalists on a series of bird discoveries around Hoboken. Each mini-journey finishes with a fun activity designed to help you connect with nature through gratitude, kindness, and awe. Oh, and, bring binoculars. Recommended for ages 7 - 11. 
 
Please register here. In case of a rain-out or other unpleasant weather, we'll reach out to you and let you know about rescheduling.
Holiday reminder: All Hoboken Public Library facilities are closed
Monday, June 6, 11 am - 1 pm

Catch the BookBike every other Monday at Pier A Park in Hoboken. Get your library card, check out and return books, and stay for a special children's Story Time at Pier A Park.

This is "weather permitting," of course. Before heading to Pier A, please check our events calendar. If inclement weather means we have to cancel for this date, we'll note it on the calendar.
This map shows all the places you can come to these "BookBike Story Times" this June. We hope to see you there.
In Church Square Park
Wednesday, June 8 at 10:30 am

Join Harmonica Sunbeam for an energetic and very entertaining Drag Queen Story Hour in the park! Harmonica will read stories, sing songs, and probably tell some jokes in between to make you laugh and smile.
 
Questions about this event? Please email Ms. Valerie. Please register for this event by clicking here.
Wednesday, June 8, at 6:30 pm
via Zoom

Come and join Jazz scholar Ben Young as he explores the majesty, style, and genius of New Jersey’s own jazz greats. Many of these names you may already know, and all of them you should know as each of these innovators have left their indelible imprint on world culture through the great African American creation of Jazz.

June's featured artist will be the legendary bassist and Camden native Buster Williams. He is perhaps best known for holding down the low end in Herbie Hancock’s early 70’s Mwandishi sextet, but the depth and breadth of his career tells a much fuller story. Mr. Williams' earthy, commanding tone has straddled both sides of the perceived divisions in Jazz throughout his career ('straight ahead' versus free; acoustic versus electric, etc.).

This is going to be a great series for all who love music. Please register here.
401 Harrison Street
Fridays, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Come to Fun Friday at the Learning Center! Drop in every Friday afternoon for an after-school activity! No registration is required; Activities will be first come, first served. The activity is ideal for elementary age (K-5) children, but all ages are welcome!

Questions about this? Please email Ms. Valerie.
To get the full schedule of upcoming events, click here
Click these links for events tailored to Children and Teens & Tweens.
Hoboken Public Library | HobokenLibrary.org