Saint Paul Public Library offers reading, learning fun for youth all summer long

This summer, Saint Paul Public Library invites kids and teens to make the library their destination for summer fun and learning.

Summer Spark, the Library’s summer learning and reading program, encourages youth ages 0-18 to stay active and read for fun all summer long with outdoor and virtual events, reading challenges, and book giveaways. 

“At Saint Paul Public Library, we welcome all people to learn and discover through books, play, connection, and more,” said Catherine Penkert, library director. “Summer Spark infuses joy in summer learning by bringing kids and teens together to read, create, and get curious.”

To get started, kids and teens can stop in at any library location to sign up for Summer Spark, pick up activity and reading logs, and pick out a free book to keep. Readers who complete 10 activities or 10 hours of reading to earn a color-your-own bookmark. Readers who complete an additional 10 activities or reading hours earn a journal and pen.

Families can also participate in Summer Spark online with the Beanstack app, pre-loaded on all Saint Paul Public School students’ iPads. Most students in Saint Paul public and charter schools automatically get access to the Library through joining Library Go upon enrollment.

Library Go is an easy-to-remember number based on students’ school ID rather than a physical library card. With Library Go, students can check out books, e-books, and more.
Additionally, through Summer Spark, teens can read and rate books using the library’s list of book titles or choosing their own.  

The Library’s 13 locations are open with expanded hours and in-person services and will host outdoor and virtual events and activities all summer long, including:  

• Story strolls: The Library is partnering with the Saint Paul Department of Parks and Recreation to host story strolls at a variety of libraries and parks throughout the summer. Story strolls are outdoor storytimes where participants stroll from one oversized storybook page to the next in parks and green spaces throughout the city. Check www.sppl.org/summer for times and locations of additional Story Strolls and other outdoor events. 
• Take and Make Kits: Community members can pick up pre-made kits that include art, journaling and technology supplies for the whole family to create and explore the great outdoors. Take and Make kits will be available to pick up at all Library locations and are available while supplies last. 
• Online Performances: Many of the beloved storytellers, jugglers, magicians, and performers who have been entertaining families for years will be back this year with virtual performances. Throughout the summer, visit sppl.org/summer for events and times. 

Suggested book titles, calendar of events and performances, and more information about summer at your library can be found at sppl.org/summer.

Summer Spark is sponsored by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, Star Tribune, Kare11, and MELSA Summer at Your Library. Online performances are made possible by Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage funds. 

—Information provided by the Saint Paul Public Library