Summer Reading Incentive Program for Children and Tweens

June 16 through September 16
Registration begins June 16.
Our summer reading theme Color Our World is designed to inspire children to read and explore all summer long! Stop by the East Lyme Public Library to register and pick up a Summer Reading tote bag and reading log. There is also an online version of the program at eastlymelibrary.readsquared.com.

For Kids:
Kids can earn “Brag Tags” and prizes each week when they visit the Library.

For Middle School Students:
Middle School Students can earn prizes each week when they visit the Library.

For High School Students:
We have a Summer Reading Incentive Program just for you! The High School Summer Reading page is coming soon.

Free Family Fun Events are Co-Sponsored with East Lyme Parks & Recreation
Tuesdays, 7:00pm to 7:45pm
June 24 - August 12
Located at McCook Point Park Bandshell
In case of rain, call 860-739-6926 ext. 2 or check our Facebook page for information. Registration not required.

Mermaid Storytime
Enjoy stories and songs with a mermaid! Miss Rebecca reads, tells stories, and leads sing-alongs at Hole-in-the-Wall Beach. Recommended for ages 2-6, but all ages are welcome! Co-sponsored by East Lyme Parks and Recreation. If you need a temporary beach pass, visit the Children’s Department of the East Lyme Public Library. In case of inclement weather, please call the Library at 860-739-6926 ext.2 or check the Library’s Facebook page for updates.
Thursdays, 10:00am to 10:30 am
June 26 - August 14
Located at Hole-in-the-Wall Beach. No registration necessary.

Summer Babies Storytime
Join Miss Sarah for stories, songs, bubbles and baby sign language! Recommended for ages birth to three, but older siblings are always welcome!
Thursdays, 10:00am to 10:30 am
July 2 - August 13
Located in the Storytime Room at East Lyme Public Library. No registration necessary.

Summer Workshops for Kids & Tweens

Color Our World at the Library! Explore exciting programs about animals, science, music, art, and books.
Registration begins June 16, and registration will be only online this year. Spaces are limited and pre-registration is required. The link to register will be live on June 16.

Stories and Crafts for Ages 3-5 with a caregiver
A parent or caregiver must participate with their child in these programs.
Tuesdays, 10:00am-10:30am
Located in the Olive Chendali Room
Registration online begins June 16.

  • July 1         Submarine Adventures by Submarine Force Museum

  • July 8         Roller Coaster! story and craft with Miss Sarah

  • July 15       DOODLES Art Lab open creations

  • July 22      My Heart is Like a Zoo story and craft with Miss Sarah

  • July 29      Mouse Paints story and craft with Miss Sarah

Summer Workshops: Grades 1 and 2
Thursdays, 3:00pm-3:45pm          
Located in the East Lyme Room
Registration online begins June 16.

  • July 3      Let’s Get Building with the Niantic Children’s Museum

  • July 10    What is a Submarine? with Submarine Force Museum

  • July 17 DOODLES Art Lab open creations

  • July 24    Explore classical music with stories and a live keyboard performance. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra

  • July 31 Pond Life: Meet live animals from the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center

Summer Workshops: Grades 3 and 4
Mondays, 3:00pm-3:45 pm   
Location varies, see below.  
Registration online begins June 16.

  • July 7         Crazy Science presented by the Niantic Children’s Museum. East Lyme Room.

  • July 14       A Day in the Life of a Submariner by Submarine Force Museum. Chendali Room.

  • July 21      DOODLES Art Lab open creations. Chendali Room.

  • July 28      Creature Camouflage Colors: Meet live animals from the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. East Lyme Room.

Summer Workshops: Middle School Age Students
Wednesdays, 3:00pm-3:45pm
Location varies, see below.  
Registration online begins June 16.

  • July 2         DOODLES Art Lab open creations. East Lyme Room.

  • July 9       Signal Flags with Submarine Force Museum. Children’s Story Room.

  • July 16       Anime Drawing with Shell & Bee Studio

  • July 23       Predator / Prey Relationships: meet live animals from the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. East Lyme Room.

  • July 30       Clay Creations: make your own sculpture with air-dry clay. East Lyme Room.

Summer Drop-Ins

Drop by the Children’s Storytime Room for these open activity times. Registration is not required. Children must be supervised at all times by a caregiver.

All Aboard!
Mondays, 9:30-3:30
June 2 - August 25
Build with our reserve collection of wooden trains.
Ages 2 and up with a caregiver.

Summer Stamping
Tuesdays, 9:30-3:30
August 5 and August 12
Time to get creative! Use our extensive set of rubber stamps to design your own cards, wrapping paper, or pictures for your fridge.
Ages 3 and up with a caregiver.

Storybook Trail
Perimeter of Samuel M. Peretz Park at Bridebrook
Children can enjoy the summer sunshine and a fun story while walking (or running!) along our Storybook Trail! From April to July we will feature Soaked! by Abi Cushman.
In July our featured picture book will be A Dazzling Display of Dogs by Betsy Franko, illustrated by Michael Wertz. Tell us the password from within the story and win a small prize in the Library Children’s Room!

Nature Backpacks and Story Puppet Kits
Check out your own adventure! These items can be checked out just like a book for three weeks. Browse the kits and backpacks in the Children’s Room.
Nature Backpacks: Bird Watching, Hiking
Coming Soon: Road Trip and Signs of Wildlife Backpacks
Story Puppet Kits: Over 30 kits to choose from! All kits include at least one book and either a puppet or stuffed animal related to the story.

Take-And-Make Craft Kits
Craft kits are designed by our staff for ages 4 - 8 to complete at home. They are available starting the first Friday of each month while supplies last in the Children’s Room.