This July and August we encourage you to blaze a new trail with our summer reading program, Beyond the Beaten Path. No matter your age, read and take part in activities that encourage exploration and learning in a way that is unique to YOU—and earn the chance to win great prizes along the way!
Beyond the Beaten Path: A Summer Learning Program for Students Entering Grades K-6
June 15-August 20
Registration will begin on May 31st. When registering, you will be asked to create a username and password to access your summer reading account.
NOTE: Children entering Kindergarten can participate in either program.
You may begin logging books on June 15th and begin completing missions on July 5th. The last day to log minutes, complete missions, and submit prize drawings is August 20th. Please ask at the children’s desk if you have questions or need help setting up your account.
To complete the program and earn a FREE book from the Wallingford Public Library’s Book Seller, you need to read 600 minutes this summer. If you finish early, keep going! By reading 1200 minutes before the program officially ends on August 20th, you will earn a chance to win one of our Grand Prizes.
For added fun, each week there will be a new mission to complete at the library. Complete all 6 missions and solve the final puzzle to loot the treasure chest!
Más Allá Del Camino Caminado: Un Programa De Aprendizaje De Verano Instrucciones En Español
Backyard Adventures: A Family Read Together Program For Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
June 15-August 20
Spend time reading as a family! For every five books your family reads together, you will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket. You may read the same book more than once – we know that’s how many preschoolers enjoy their favorite books.
NOTE: Children entering Kindergarten can participate in either program.
You can begin logging your books beginning June 15th. The last day to log books and submit prize drawings is August 20th.
Más Allá Del Camino Caminado: Un Programa De Aprendizaje De Verano Instrucciones En Español
For Teens Entering Grades 6-12
July 5 – August 20
This summer go Beyond the Beaten Path and broaden your horizons with new reads, new interests, and new experiences. As always, anything you read will earn you a prize entry. But this summer you can also go forge new trails. Simply pick one (or more!) trails and complete the trail tasks along the way. Completing a trail will earn you an entry into the grand prize drawing. You can also earn bonus prize entries by completing a weekly art challenge in the library. Registration opens June 1st.
Some Assembly Required: A Summer Maker Competition for High Schoolers and Adults
July 5 – August 20
We are very excited to announce the third annual Collaboratory Summer Program, “Some Assembly Required,” which begins on July 5th. The program is a maker contest consisting of multiple categories with one grand prize. The categories this year are:
- Art
- B&W Photography
- Color Photography
- DIY
- Textile Arts
- Upcycling
- Videography
Submissions will be made by email and will be collected July 5th through July 31st. A winner from each field will be chosen through voting via the library’s social media. Votes will be collected from August 1st through August 20th, and the winners will be announced the following Monday, August 22nd. In the event of a tie, Collaboratory staff will be the tie breakers.
The winners of each category will receive a special laser cut prize and a $25 gift card to the Wallingford business of their choice. The project that receives the most votes overall will receive the grand prize: a Collaboratory-made trophy along with a $100 gift card to the Wallingford business of their choice. Have fun and good luck!
For Adults (18+)
July 5 – August 20
This summer WPL invites adults to take part in Beyond the Beaten Path, a summer program for adults. Earn buttons and the chance to win great prizes by taking part in activities that encourage you to blaze your own trail. The activities promote connection, curiosity, reflection, and joy (and of course, reading!). Participation is easy and fun, and the best part is that you can do it your OWN way! Sign up starting June 1 by visiting the Information Desk or by clicking “Register” below.
For All Ages
July 5 – August 20
We might all live in the same town, but we all blaze our own path through Wallingford! Let’s see what paths everyone takes! Each week on social media we will ask a question about your favorite things about Wallingford. Post a photo with your response, use the hashtag #TrailblazersOfWallingford, and tag us. We’ll share and retweet your photos! Everyone who submits at least one photo over the summer will be entered into a drawing to win a $25 gift card to the Wallingford business of their choice. Three winners will be selected at random.