Category: FP Mosaic

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Color Our World - Kids Summer Reading Challenges (Babies - Grade 5)

2025 Kids Summer Reading Challenge (SRC) – Read any books you want! Win Prizes!

For babies – those entering 5th Grade in September…

⭐️Special early registration raffle prizes if you register by June 30!⭐️More raffle prizes at the end of SRC!⭐️Prize bags given to ALL KIDS who complete SRC!

Click here to register. Registration is ongoing throughout the summer. You don’t need to register by a certain date, BUT if you register by June 30 you will be entered into special registration raffles! (see below for more info)
You may use the computer or download the Beanstack app (available on iTunes or Google Play stores). If you are unsure about how to do it online, call the Children’s Department at 631.941.4080 ext.123.
Every child who finishes SRC will get a prize bag (each child must read at least 7 books to complete the challenge). Prize bags will be available starting Monday, August 4. SRC ends on Sunday, August 17.
We’ll also have raffle prizes at the end of SRC! The kids will be able to earn an eTicket each week, and raffle tickets can be entered into the system for any of the prizes they choose. Kids may enter all different raffles, or all the same, however they want to distribute their tickets. Tickets will be pulled, and winners will be announced at the end of SRC after Sunday, August 17. Listing of raffle prizes here!
Prefer paper? Click here to print out a paper log.

Click here for our handy “Frequently Asked Questions”

Click here for instructions on the app.

Register by June 30 and enter to win one of our special early registration raffles:

Prize #1: 2 free passes to Adventureland Amusement Park, special prize bag, and children’s book
Prize #2: 4-pack of tickets to the American Museum of Natural History, special prize bag, and children’s book
Prize #3: 4 tickets to the Long Island Ducks for the 2025 season, a signed baseball, special prize bag, and children’s book
Prize #4: 2 free tickets to Splish Splash, special prize bag, and children’s book

Show your School Spirit and win the EMMA CUP!
The school that has the highest percentage of children that sign up for AND finish SRC (each child must read at least 7 books to complete the program) will have their school’s name engraved on the trophy. This friendly competition is always a lot of fun each year!

Did you submit your child’s photos for the Summer Reading decorations? We have them up in our Children’s Department! We’ll also be posting photos on our Facebook and Instagram pages, so be sure to be on the lookout there!

What are the benefits of using the Beanstack program? Besides acting as an online book log (think of it as a “Fitbit for Reading”), there are other benefits to recording what you’ve read via the website, app, or Alexa, such as weekly book recommendations based on your child’s age, reading level, and interests. Parents and children will also be able to view themed guides on topics of interest (ranging from “Let’s Explore Rainbows” to “Stargazing”). When the child logs their books read, he/she will receive colorful electronic badges and earn raffle tickets for the many baskets that can be won this summer. Kids will also have the option to write book reviews and read learning tips for each book selected.

Emma Clark Library would like to thank the following businesses that support the Library and our community by donating gift cards and merchandise for our Kids, Teens & Tweens, & Adult Summer Reading raffle prizes:

Adventureland Amusement Park
The Adventure Park of Long Island
Applebee’s
The Argyle Theatre
The Bench
Ben’s Garden
The Bite Size Bake Shop
The Cheesecake Factory
College 101 Resource Center
Crazy Beans
Faith Czarnecki at Travelista Travels
Druthers Coffee
DJ’s Clam Shack
The Jazz Loft
Kumon Learning Center of Stony Brook
Level Up Kitchen Library Cafe
Long Island Explorium
The Long Island Museum
The Long Island Violin Shop
Luigi’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
New York Giants
New York Jets
O Sole Mio Ristorante Pizzeria
Panera Bread
Paumanok Tours
Port Jefferson Photography Club
The Rinx
Rolling Pin Bakery
Schnitzels Gastropub
Setauket Gourmet Delicatessen & Caterers
Shake Shack
S.N. and Kamal Sridhar
Splish Splash
Staller Center for the Arts
Stony Brook Wings
Three Village Historical Society
Urban Air
Via Pizza
Xplore Family Fun Center

Emma Clark employees, trustees, and members of their household are not eligible to enter contests/raffles.

Any other questions? Email kids@emmaclark.org

Drop-In Events & Activities for Kids

Collage of photos of children's programs at the library

You don’t have to hear “I’m bored” this summer! Save the dates, and stop by for these events & activities where no registration is required:

Monday, June 30

Summer Reading Kick-Off Event, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. For families with children up to Grade 5

Join us for some carnival fun in the Children’s Library. We’ll have face painting, balloon animals, carnival games, & music. Swing by anytime between 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. In the case of inclement weather, please call Emma Clark Library ahead of time: 631.941.4080.

Wednesday, July 9

Meet the Farm Animals, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. For PreK to Grade 5

Join Cornell Cooperative Extension on the Library lawn for hands-on interaction with farm animals. In the case of inclement weather, please call Emma Clark Library ahead of time: 631.941.4080.

Friday, July 11

Color Your Own World, Noon – 2:00 p.m. Grades K – 5

Create your own charming fantasy world, bursting with a rainbow of colors! Children and their caregivers can stop by at any time to turn paper towel rolls into upcycled awesomeness.

Sing-Along with Nappy’s Shadow Puppets, 6:00 – 6:45 p.m. For families with children up to 5th grade

Silly sing-alongs songs and shadow puppets with Jim Napolitano.

Saturday, July 12

Crafternoon, stop by anytime between 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Ages 3 – 11 welcome. Supervision may be needed.

Kids and their grown-ups are welcome to drop by for crafty fun with upcycled materials.

Wednesday, July 16

Adventure of the Missing Color, 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. Grades K – 5

Through hands-on experiments and fun, interactive stories, Science Heroes will get kids excited about the science that’s all around us as we celebrate the scientists who color our world with art!

Friday, July 18

Magic, Laughs, and More, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. For families with children up to 5th grade

Experience a whirlwind of jaw-dropping tricks and side-splitting jokes with Magician John Reid.

Tuesday, July 29

Harry Potter Day: An Afternoon at Hogwarts, 2:00–4:00 p.m. For families with children up to 5th grade

With Harry’s birthday around the corner, we just couldn’t resist a celebration! Drop by anytime between 2:00-4:00 pm for Harry Potter-themed fun and activities.

Wednesday, July 30

Touch-A-Truck, 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon. For families with children up to 5th grade

Check out vehicles from different community organizations. In the case of inclement weather, please call Emma Clark Library ahead of time: 631.941.4080.

Friday, August 1

History of Balloons, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. For families with children up to 5th grade

Bring the whole family down to see our favorite award-winning balloon artist, Nick the Balloonatic, as he puts on a hilarious, high-energy, interactive balloon sculpting show. It’s a day full of crazy hats, jokes, and fun that you’ll never forget!

Tuesday, August 19

Bluey Family Fun, 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon Most suitable for Pre-K – Grade 2 w/ caregiver

Drop by for Bluey-themed crafts, games, and activities.

Wednesday, August 27

Color Splash Endless Summer Bash, 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon For families with children up to 5th grade

Bring the family down for a vibrant celebration filled with crafts and games that keep summer vibes strong! Don’t forget to bring a bag to carry all your awesome crafts and prizes home.

Questions? Email kids@emmaclark.org

2025 Discount Tickets Are Here!

We have a limited number of discount tickets to Adventureland! Tickets are $31.50 (general admission is typically $49.50). They include access to the park and unlimited rides all day. Please note: Tickets are only valid for the 2025 summer season, June 1 – October 5. Parking is free.

Purchase tickets at the Circulation Desk in the Library’s lobby. As with all of our discounted tickets, purchasers must have valid Emma Clark Library cards, payment may be made by cash or check, and families may purchase up to 4 tickets per month.

We also have discounted tickets to The Adventure Park, American Museum of Natural History, and the Long Island Aquarium. For more information, please click here.

Supplies are limited. Some restrictions apply. All purchases are non-refundable. All sales are final.

Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org

Seed Library

Our Seed Library is a collection of flower, herb, and vegetable seed packets. These packets are freely available to Emma Clark Library cardholders. The seeds are all organic; many are also Long Island native plants. The seed packets are housed in an “old-fashioned” card catalog – a specialized piece of furniture that we no longer use in the Library since we’ve moved to an online catalog, but have now effectively repurposed for the seeds. You’ll find it between the Adult Reference Desk and the Café.

Below the Seed Library, you’ll find our Seed Swap Box, designed for the public to donate and share seeds. All donated seeds should be in a sealed, labeled packet. These will not be inspected or cataloged by the Library.

The goals of these resources are to provide seeds, build community, and support people who are new to the world of gardening, as well as those who are well-seasoned gardeners.

How Does the Seed Library Work?

Each patron may take no more than 3 seed packets per week from the Seed Library. You do not need to check the packets out. Instead, please sign our Seed Library Guest Book, indicating which seed packets you took, as well as any comments you may have. We’d love to hear from you! Seed packets are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

Some Examples of Seeds that May Be Available in the Seed Library:

Flowers – Amaranth, Echinacea, & Sunflowers
Herbs – Basil, Chives, & Dill
Fruits & Vegetables – Arugula, Bok Choy, Green Beans, Okra, Spinach, & Sugar Snap Peas

Our Seed Library is a growing collection, and new varieties of seeds may be added from time to time. Similarly, as seed packets are taken, not all may be replaced, as we have a limited number of seeds available. Please be mindful of what you take, and remember this is a shared resource for all in our community.

Can I Donate Seeds?

We love our generous Three Village community! If you have seeds that you would like to share with others, please place them in our Seed Swap Box, below the Seed Library. All donated seeds should be in a sealed, labeled packet. There is no limit to how many seeds you may donate or take from the Swap Box. What is found in the Swap Box is not cataloged or inspected by the library. Take what you would like; you may find a new favorite!

Upcoming Gardening Classes

Late Bloomers: Late Starters You Can Plant Right Now! (In-Person)
Wednesday, July 2, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Off to a late start and worried that you missed the boat on getting a garden in place this year? Fret not! There are many summer vegetables and flowers you can still plant! Join librarian and organic grower Regina Dlugokencky to learn all about succession planting, the unknown benefits of a late start, and some quick methods to get growing now. Click here to register starting 6/23.

Creating and Maintaining a Pollinator Garden with Native Plants (Online)
Monday, August 11, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Learn how to create and maintain pollinator habitat! Anthony Marinello, a NY State Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional, will teach you what species of plants pack the greatest ecological punch for supporting our imperiled pollinators as well as best practices for successfully providing long-term habitat for various species. Click here to register starting 6/17.

Show us what you’ve planted in your garden, thanks to our Seed Library!

We’d love to see those colorful flowers, delicious herbs, and healthy fruits & vegetables. Post a photo and tag us on Facebook and/or Instagram @EmmaClarkLibrary. #SeedLibrary

Make sure your post is public so that we can view it!

Additional Gardening Resources

We have a robust collection of books on Gardening in our Adult, Young Adult, and Children’s Non-Fiction Collections.
You can find them under the Dewey Decimal Number 635.
We offer gardening programs periodically at the Library, both in-person, and on Zoom. Check out our latest
newsletter for program listings.

The following are some links you may find useful when planning your garden:

Companion Planting from Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
Native Plant Finder from National Wildlife Federation
Nature’s Pest Controls from Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
Seed Saving Guide from Seed Savers Exchange
Starting Seeds Indoors from Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County