PRESS RELEASE - Public Library Summer Reading Program runs June through August

“Reading is the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time)” is the theme for 2025

PORT TOWNSEND – Join us at the Port Townsend Public Library from June through August for our annual Summer Reading Program. Discover all the ways that “reading is the greatest of all time” through self-paced reading challenges for kids, teens, and adults. Participate by reading a book with a friend, listening to an audiobook, attending one of our weekly storytimes, and enjoying a graphic novel, it all counts. Participants can track their hours with a reading tracker. Trackers can be picked up at the library or downloaded from the Library’s website.

Fun prizes are available for kids, teens, and adults that accomplish the reading challenge in each age category. Kids and teens that read 10 hours earn a free book. Adults that read 10 hours earn a vinyl sticker and are eligible for a raffle prize to Imprint Bookstore. Kids and teens that read 50 hours or adults that read 100 hours earn a limited-edition G.O.A.T themed t-shirt designed by local artist Lydia Vadopalas. Teens and young adults (ages 13-24) that wear their Summer Reading t-shirt to The Nest by September 8th, 2025, will receive a free drink.

Youth & Outreach Library Manager, Emily Bufford says: “The Library’s Summer Reading program is one of my favorite ways to support interest-based learning and foster a love of reading. What is your ‘greatest of all time’ read? Is your preferred form of reading an audiobook or graphic novel? It all counts! We want to celebrate your personal reading life and experience with books. We also want to connect you with programs and activities that relate to the books you are reading and enjoying. Love books about pets and animals? Crafting and art? Trivia or magic tricks? The library has something for you!”
City staff are also planning for more youth and family engagement around the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan (PROS plan) update at the following Summer Reading Programs:

• "Goat Party!" with Ground Control Goats. Wedneday, June 25, 4:00pm-5:00pm. Pink House Lawn. All Ages.
• "Bike Rodeo," with Port Townsend Police Department. Saturday, July 19, 10:00am-1:00pm. Blue Heron Middle school.
• "Magic Show," with Tobias Weinberger from the Traveling Spectacular. Wednesday, August 27, 1:00pm-2:00pm. Chetzemoka Park. All Ages.

Summer Reading Program 2025 is generously sponsored by the Port Townsend Library Friends & Foundation. Their sponsorship ensures that all weekly programs and performances are free to all. Many programs are for youth of all ages, including teens, and the Summer Storytime series is intended for younger kids and their families. Programs and storytimes will happen rain or shine. Be sure to check the Public Library website for updates to times and locations for weekly programs.

Find the full list of Summer Reading 2025 programs and storytimes, and download the reading tracker on the Library’s website: https://ptpubliclibrary.org/library/page/summer-reading-program-2025-0