The Hornell Public Library is gearing up for a summer of creativity, color, and community connection with its annual summer reading program. This year’s theme, Color Our World, runs from July 7 through August 16, and registration is open through June 28.
The theme, selected by the Collaborative Summer Library Program, emphasizes art, storytelling, and imaginative exploration. Programming Assistant Sidnie Srader says the goal is to spark excitement around reading, through books, hands-on art projects, and other events.
“The books that we are presenting are very art-forward,” Srader says. “We’re talking about the illustrative process and art in general. And our programs, we have a lot of art projects, a lot of really colorful things and even in some of our presenters…we’re really trying to be bright and enthusiastic, and excited and really bring a lot of depth to the program this year.”
At the heart of the program is a series of community storytimes, where special guest readers will share their favorite books with young audiences. Many of the guest readers are familiar local faces, including Mayor John Buckley and Andrew Gibbs, a former teacher who, Srader says, is known for his animated, joyful storytelling.
In today’s screen-saturated world, encouraging kids to pick up a book can be a challenge. But the library has strategies: in addition to the traditional paperbacks and picture books, the library promotes its eBook and audiobook offerings through the Libby app.
Graphic novels are a major draw. Titles like Dog Man, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie series remain among the most popular. Picture books about dinosaurs and animals are also in high demand, especially during the summer months.
Another highlight of the program is the annual reading competition, where participants track their reading minutes for a chance to win. But the top prize isn’t a toy or gadget—instead, it’s the chance to choose a book for the library’s permanent collection, complete with a nameplate honoring the reader’s accomplishment. Schrader also points out that ebooks and audiobooks still count toward the goal.
“That little nameplate means a lot to our readers,” Srader explains. “They’re not just reading to win, they’re making a mark on the community, and they’re proud of that.”
Srader sees the library as more than a repository of books. Especially in a small town like Hornell, she says, it’s a vital gathering place.
“The library is the heart of the town,” she says. “It’s a safe, welcoming space where families can find free, enriching activities. This is somewhere where people can come for fun and also free entertainment. It’s a really hard thing to find something for kids to do that’s not going to have you pulling out your wallet for a camp or something like that.”
The Color Our World summer reading program at the Hornell Public Library runs from July 7 through August 16. Registration is open until June 28.