For the second year the Chatham Square Library participated in the Children’s Day Fair sponsored by Immigrant Social Services, Inc., an organization which provides afterschool programs and summer camps for children in the Chinatown area.  More than 130 children registered for the summer reading program at this special event.

Activities featured local talent from the Chinatown area. The day included a performance of the Fu Shan southern style Lion Dance by the New York Chinese Freemasons Athletic Club; the Open Door Senior Center Dancers offered a “Rockettes” performance and an NYPL-sponsored music concert presented by Presley and Melody. 

Many local elected officials also joined in the festivities including Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez, New York State Senator Daniel Squadron, Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer and New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

The Chatham Square Library is well known for their summer reading program and commitment in getting children involved in reading. Over 1,500 children participated in the 2009 summer reading program at the Chatham Square Library, many of whom are among the most avid readers, each logging in more than a hundred books. Community events such as these are a wonderful way to promote the Library and its services as well as getting the entire family involved in summer reading.

Each year The New York Public Library hosts a Summer Reading Program for children designed to keep them engaged and reading all summer long.  Studies show that children who read during the summer are better prepared for school in the fall. This year marks another exciting summer with a wonderful reading list compiled by librarians from NYPL, Queens Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library and the Department of Education. Fun and engaging events are offered by all the libraries ranging from storytellers to science workshops to live theatre performances. An updated interactive website for participants includes creating one’s own avatar, online tracking of books read, and earning badges that can be redeemed for prizes. At the end of the summer children who participate in the summer reading program receive a certificate of participation and each library hosts a celebration to honor the children.

Joining the summer reading program is easy! Children may register online at www.summerreading.org or sign up at their local library.  Join today!

Follow us on Twitter @nyplkids for information of upcoming children’s events at The New York Public Library.