By Linda Chuss

For the first time, the Upton Town Library’s summer reading program for kids will use the town’s new library. 

“It’s exciting to be in this space, with more room for programs and hanging out to read,” said Children’s Librarian Lee Ann Murphy. “Typically, about 200 kids participate in the program, though since we moved, many more people in general are coming in, so it could be more.”

The program theme, “Find Your Voice,” encourages kids to discover what inspires them and what they love, while motivating them to read. 

“One activity is decorating a person-shaped cutout to express who you are,” said Murphy. “Mine is holding a book.”

In addition to activities like bubble painting and a storytime quintet for the book “Peter and the Wolf,” the program includes tracking reading time, participating in fun events in town, and earning prizes. Kids can choose which aspects to do. One favorite is “Read Around the Town” where special guests read a story at an Upton location kids will enjoy, like Town Line Dairy and the DPW. Other highlights are Animal Adventures and a trek at Upton State Forest. 

Murphy noted, “A change this year is events require registration, which can be done at the library or online.”

Murphy plans all year for the program, and residents like Deirdre Munley certainly appreciate it. 

"Both our kids love the summer reading program – the activities and prizes keep them excited about their reading all through the summer, and the programs and events are great ways to connect with other local kids and families."

To participate in the summer reading program, kids up through middle schoolers just stop by the library to register or complete the form online. A folder of materials is provided, containing activities, questions, a reading log, and more. The goal is to read something each day. Based on what is logged, kids can collect a stamp each week, with five stamps earning a prize. A raffle ticket can also be collected for each weekly library visit. Impressive raffle prizes include tickets to the Swan Boats in Boston, a Bruin-autographed hockey puck, and book baskets. 

The program concludes on August 12 with an ice cream finale, courtesy of the Friends of the Upton Library.

For more information and to register, visit the library at 9 Milford St. or at uptonlibrary.org. To watch a video detailing the program, visit bit.ly/Upton LibrarySummerReading2023.