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June 1st - July 31st, 2021

Welcome to Crafton Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge, Tails & Tales! 

We're not kitten you—Summer Reading o-fish-ially kicks off on June 1st this year, but we have an otter-ly exciting summer full of activities planned for ewe. This year, there are many ways you can paw-ticipate—by tracking your reading, attending library programs (both virtual and in-person!), and by completing activities on your own to earn virtual badges. You won't want to hiss this!

(Alright, we're done with the puns. Promise!)

   Here's how our 2021 Summer Reading Program will work:   

To get started, make an account on Beanstack so that you can track your reading digitally.

Beanstack is also available as an iOS and Android app for quick logging on the go!

(You can also pick up a paper log from CPL during open hours for a more analog experience.)

You can log books, graphic novels, magazines, audiobooks, e-books. You read it, you can log it!

 

Teens/Adults (ages 13-113) who participate will receive 5 raffle tickets per book logged.

Children (ages 12 and under) who participate will receive 5 raffle tickets per 5 books logged.

These tickets can then be entered into virtual drawings (more on that below).

Prizes include five $25 gift cards and three gift baskets for each age group.

   Are there any other ways to earn tickets?   

Yes! Both Teens/Adults and Children may also earn extra raffle tickets by completing activity badges. Some activities may require you to get up and moving, while others may challenge you to read a book in a particular genre or make some art. Some activities may be completed from home, while others may require you to go visit a place such as a museum or a park. You get to pick from a list of activities for each badge!

Activity badges may be accessed on Beanstack; you may also pick up a paper copy from CPL or print one directly from this page under the Programs & Activities section. (PDFs coming soon.)

For Teens/Adults: complete one activity under any badge to earn 5 extra raffle tickets.

For Children: complete two activities under any badge to earn 5 extra raffle tickets.

You may complete just one badge, or you may complete all of the badges that are available to you!

And though we encourage you to try as many of the activities as you want for the fun of it, each badge may only be earned once.

   Go to the following sections to learn more:   

Getting Started

Prizes

Programs & Activities

How Do I Find Something to Read?


   Need help or have lingering questions?   

 

Please feel free to reach out to us by phone at (412) 922-6877 or by email at craftonlibrary@einetwork.net.

 Getting Started 

These short videos were created for our 2020 Summer Reading Challenge, but the process is still pretty much the same. Just make sure you choose "Crafton Public Library Summer Reading 2021" as your challenge!

How To: Sign Up & Enter A Challenge

Be sure to select the "Crafton Public Library Summer Reading 2021" challenge!

How To: Log Books & Enter Drawings

Getting Started

 PRIZES! PRIZES! PRIZES! 

By reading books and earning activity badges, you can earn tickets to enter raffles for a number of $25 gift cards and CPL-curated gift baskets. Eight lucky readers in each age group (teen/adults ages 13+, and children 12 and under) will be chosen once the program concludes on July 31st. 

Prizes for Children

  • Gift Basket #1 - Picture Book Basket

    • Features picture books, a stuffed animal, puzzle, scratch art kit, and more!​

  • Gift Basket #2 - Young Readers Basket

    • Features three books for about ages 6-10, Mad Libs, puzzle, sensory toy, and more!

  • Gift Basket #3 - Middle Grade Basket

    • Features three middle grade books for ages 8-12, a book of drawing prompts, drawing supplies, and more!

Prizes for Teens & Adults

  • Gift Basket #1 - Young Adult Basket

    • Features three young adult books, Wreck This Journal, book-themed pencil pouch, writing supplies, and more!

  • Gift Basket #2 - Adult Fiction Basket

    • Features three fiction books, a library-themed mug, a personal library kit, and more!

  • Gift Basket #3 - Large Print Basket

    • Features three large print books, a set of notecards for book lovers, a book light, and more!

Prizes

 programs and ACTIVITIES

   Crafton Public Library Programs   

With the sunny summer weather coming, we have some socially-distanced, outdoor events planned for you to enjoy! Keep an eye out here and on our programs calendar for updates:

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Summer Reading Kick-Off Party!

Tuesday, June 1, 2021 starting at 6 pm

Broglie Shelter at Crafton Park

Join us for snacks, storytime, mini golf, and an opportunity to learn how readers of all ages can win prizes for their reading this summer!

Masks and social distancing required.

RSVP on Facebook to let us know you're coming!

(RSVPing is not required, but definitely appreciated.)

Storytime @ Crafton Park!

 

Every Monday starting June 8, 2021 at 11 am

Crafton Park picnic area, near the stage

Join Miss Mikayla for an all-ages family storytime program in the park! Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Together we will read a few books, sing some songs, and have fun!

RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/283068710028760/

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What's Cooking in Crafton (Park)?

 

Thurs. May 20, Wed. June 23rd, Tues. July 20th, and Thurs. August 19th at 6 pm

Hoffman Shelter at Crafton Park

Everyone's favorite cookbook club is back—with a twist! We'll be meeting at Crafton Park in the Hoffman shelter (the large one by the community garden) at 6 pm to share all of the dishes we have made. Don't forget to stop by the library to choose a recipe from the month's chosen cookbook and "prepare it to share it," pot-luck style!

RSVP on Facebook to let us know you're coming!

(RSVPing is not required, but definitely appreciated.)

Conversation Salon

 

Last Wednesday of every month starting May 26th, 2021 at 6 pm

Hoffman Shelter at Crafton Park

Join Tracey for our revived Conversation Salon on the last Wednesday of every month! We will now be meeting at Crafton Park, in the Hoffman Shelter (the large one by the community garden) at 6 pm. Conversation Salon requires little more than your time and a willingness to enjoy the company of others while discussing various topics of your choice! Please wear your masks and observe social distancing.

RSVP on Facebook to let us know you're coming!

(RSVPing is not required, but definitely appreciated.)

   CPL Summer Reading Activity Badges   

Children's Activity Badges - PDF

Teen / Adult Activity Badges - PDF

   Countywide Virtual Learning Bingo Cards   

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Once again, we've teamed up with the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) and its 70+ member libraries to bring you a calendar full of exciting virtual learning programs and social media content geared towards kids and families.

Follow ACLA Youth Services and Crafton Public Library on Facebook to see updates when new content is posted. You can find a calendar of events at the link below:

Programs & Activities

Our ​library is currently open to the public for inside browsing and lobby pick-up! If you're not sure what to read next, here are a number of ways that you can find your next read:

 

  • Follow our Facebook page for weekly staff recommendations, book lists, and previews of new arrivals.

  • Search the library catalog to see what's available at CPL and 70+ other county libraries.

  • Use our database NoveList+ to find recommended reading lists and read-alikes of your favorite books and authors!

  • Take advantage of our library's many e-resources, such as:

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Our library provides you with access to a variety of e-books, audiobooks, and magazines through apps like Hoopla, Overdrive, Libby, and Flipster. Check out our "Resources" page for more information on these apps and more.

 HOW DO I FIND something TO READ? 

Finding Something to Read
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