Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Franklin Square Public Library kicked off its annual summer reading program with an interactive, family-focused celebration featuring crafts, games, performances and activities across multiple floors of the building.
The event drew children, teens and adults who participated in a range of activities designed to promote reading engagement and community involvement throughout the summer months. Organizers said the goal is to make reading fun and accessible for all ages while encouraging continued learning outside the classroom.
“This is our third year doing it, and I try to make it a little bit better every year with the activities we have,” said Assistant Director James Pagano, who was appointed assistant director in 2023.
At the kickoff event, Pagano said the library aimed to keep it engaging for the community as it featured carnival games and miniature golf, with ice cream offered in the craft room for those who signed up for the summer reading program.
High school students performed music in the meeting room, featuring Lily Maglio, a rising junior at H. Frank Carey High School, who played various selections on her clarinet. One of the songs she played was “Merry-Go-Round of Life” from the film “Howl’s Moving Castle.”
One of the library staff members, Carina Wankmiller, helped out at one of the tables set up for button making, where children were able to create Summer Reading Kickoff buttons with a real button machine. Children and their families were welcome throughout the afternoon to create their own.
“It is a beautiful, busy room,” Wankmiller said as families flocked in and out of the library throughout the afternoon.
The Friends of the Library helped support the event, contributing funding for programming and materials, including refreshments and activities. Jason Alvino, president of the Friends of the Franklin Square Library, said the Friends helped fund items such as the ice cream.
The summer reading program also includes weekly incentives for children who complete reading goals, with participants earning recognition and rewards as they progress. Library staff said the initiative is designed to keep students engaged during the summer months and help prevent learning loss.
“We want summer to be fun, and we want it to still include reading,” said Laurie Harrison, one of the children’s librarians. “It’s about keeping kids excited about books in a way that doesn’t feel like school.”
Programming this summer will continue with themed events for children, teens and adults. Upcoming activities include story times, scavenger hunts, craft programs and educational events. This year’s theme for the children’s Summer Reading Club is centered on dinosaurs, “Unearth a Story,” while the teen and adult programs focus more on America’s 250th celebrations.
