Summer Reading is back, and it’s time to Level Up at Your Library!
This year, Derby Neck is pulling out all the stops to bring you a series of thrilling, fantasy RPG-themed adventures that will keep you reading, learning, and laughing all summer long. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first‑time reader, we’ve got epic quests, real‑world rewards, and unforgettable events for readers of all ages. Summer programming officially kicks off Monday, June 23, and runs through our grand finale, Endgames, on August 14.
Track Your Reading with ReadSquared
Youth patrons can level up by logging their reading through ReadSquared! Earn 100 points every day you read—books, magazines, articles, even text‑heavy video games count. Redeem your points for prizes and raffle tickets at Endgames. Sign up here or grab a paper calendar at the Children’s Desk if you prefer to track your progress offline.
Check out the offerings we have for each age group:
Challenge yourself with our Dungeons & Dragons–inspired Summer Reading Bingo! Pick up your Bingo Sheet and start leveling up across five character classes. Each completed square equals a raffle entry in that class’s prize basket.
Earn raffle entries by completing the tasks below:
| Class | Level‑Up Tasks |
|---|---|
| Artificer | • Attend a Sunday Crafternoon program • Use your library card to create a Creativebug account • Attend a session of The Needlers • Use one of the machines in the DIY Zone • Read a book with a character who crafts or makes things |
| Bard | • Listen to music on the Hoopla app • Attend a film program (DNL Productions, Monday Movie Matinee) • Read a book about music or pop culture • Attend a Musical Bingo Night • Read or watch a film adaptation of a play by Shakespeare |
| Ranger | • Read a book with a major character who is an animal • Read a book outside • Try the Reader Advisory dart board • Listen to an audiobook while taking a walk • Read a book or watch a movie about a character who hunts monsters |
| Rogue | • Read a thriller • Attend a Morbid Curiosity Book Club meeting • Read a mystery • Attend an Escape Room program • Read a book involving a theft or heist |
| Wizard | • Watch a Library Speakers Consortium lecture • Use an app or database from the Lifelong Learning Center • Watch a documentary film or docuseries • Read a fantasy novel or a book about magic • Use the Merlin machine in the Derby Neck Archives |
Boost your odds further with +1 Skill tickets from the Greater Invisibility Book Display and other Skill Checks—details on the Bingo Sheet which can be printed here!
Teens and Tweens are invited to join us for 6 new regular programs and a new raffle just for teens!
Teen Tech Raffle
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NEW for 2025! This is our first year offering the Teen Tech Raffle.
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Help power up the prize pool just by reading and joining us at programs!
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Earn 1 raffle ticket for every YA book checkout and every teen program you attend.
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The prize pool grows with your participation—the library matches each qualifying checkout and program in dollars!
Example: If teens check out 200 books and attend 100 programs between June 23 and August 14, the prize pool would reach $300—and there’s no cap, so the total can keep climbing. -
Prizes include gift cards to Apple, Best Buy, Target, and more!
Book Buddies
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For every 10 books you check out, receive a high-quality 8″ plush Book Buddy.
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Limit: 1 per teen per week.
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Available in 18 different varieties—collect your favorites all summer long!
New Teen Programs:
- Magic Mondays: MTG Club
- Manga Mondays: Book Club
- Taste Test Government on Tuesdays
- Wednesdays alternate between Game Dev Guild and Paint and Pixels
- Two sessions of How to DND on July 3rd and 17th
- and four sessions of Teen Laser Tag!
Young adventurers have three exciting ways to level up:
Book Buddies
• For every 10 books checked out, kids earn a delightful 8″ plush Book Buddy
• There’s a limit: 1 per week with 18 varieties available.
Achievement Bears
• Pick up a Punch Card at the Children’s Desk and bring it to programs.
• Attend 5 programs in the same category to earn a bear—collect up to six:
– Story Exploration
– Physical Fitness
– Critical Thinking
– Artistic Expression
– Social Development
– Strategic Play
• Bears will be awarded during Endgames on August 14.
ReadSquared Reading Points
• Earn 100 points every day you read—books, magazines, articles, even text‑heavy video games count.
• Redeem your points for prizes and raffle tickets at Endgames.
• Sign up here or grab a paper calendar at the Children’s Desk if you prefer to track your progress offline.
Kickoff Event: June 23, 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Join us for our Summer Reading Kickoff Party on Monday, June 23, from 12:00 – 5:00 PM! This free family‑friendly celebration has something for everyone:
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Petting Zoo & Pony Rides provided by JC’s Pony Parties for our youngest adventurers
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Live Medieval Weaponry Demo by Laurel City Historical Fencing
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Foam Sword Sparring—Fight the Knight!
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Sword “Petting Zoo”—Handle replica medieval weapons
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Food & Refreshments: Hot dogs, fresh popcorn, ice‑cream sundaes, and lemonade pressed on‑site by the Friends of the Library
The adventure starts here—don’t miss the party that kicks it all off!
Endgames: August 14, 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Wrap up your summer adventure at Endgames, our end‑of‑summer celebration on August 14! Enjoy:
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A 40‑foot inflatable obstacle course
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Live crafts and creative stations
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All‑ages music performance
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Final prize tables and book sales
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A chance to soak the staff
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And, of course, more free food!
Celebrate your victories, collect your rewards, and say farewell to summer in style.