By Lindsay Sutton
Summer is the perfect time to slow down, pick up a good book, and ignite your imagination. New Town offers many options when it comes to fun and creative ways to keep busy this season and to spark a love for learning through one of America’s favorite pastimes—reading!
Where Young Readers and Neighbors Connect
Every Friday from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., children and their parents or caregivers are invited to gather for Storytime at The Bridge Coffee House. Designed primarily for toddlers through early elementary-aged children, each session includes a story followed by a coloring activity or simple craft inspired by the book.
Storytime is led by New Town residents and Bridge Board members Jean Lee and Betty Luebke. Occasionally, special guest readers join the group, including local authors who share their own books with the children.
While Storytime helps foster a love of reading and learning for young children, it also provides parents and caregivers an opportunity to meet one another, build friendships, and strengthen community connections.
Watch for the weekly Thursday post on Facebook from The Bridge announcing the upcoming book selection. Everyone is welcome to attend. Sometimes all it takes is a fun story and a welcoming environment to help a child discover a love of books.
New Town Summer Reading Challenge
The love of reading extends beyond Friday mornings thanks to the Little Free Libraries scattered throughout New Town. These small neighborhood book-sharing boxes make it easy for residents of all ages to discover a new story or genre—or even just help declutter your overflowing book collection!
They serve as a reminder that books can bring communities together in simple and creative ways.
Want to add a little adventure to your summer reading? Take the New Town Little Free Library Challenge!
How many Little Free Libraries can you find around town? Grab a book, leave a book, or simply stop to see what treasures are waiting inside. Make it a family scavenger hunt and see if you can visit every Little Free Library in New Town before summer ends.
Here are a few to get you started:
- 3814 Canal Street – Awesome array of adult novels
- 3314 North Mester Street – Great selection of kids’ picture and chapter books
- 3337 Rue Royale – Mixed bunch of kids’ picture books, adult fiction, and nonfiction
- 3181 Canal Street – Kids’ and adult books
How many can you find? Take a picture and tag NTxConnect!
Books Are Better Together
Reading is even more enjoyable when you have someone to talk about it with. If you're looking for another fun way to meet neighbors and discover new books, consider joining the New Town Book Club.
Not interested in a formal club? Summer is a great time to start your own with a few friends, family members, or neighbors. Pick a book, get together when you're finished, and enjoy sharing your thoughts over coffee, dinner, or a walk around the neighborhood.
Keep the Reading Going All Summer
The fun doesn't stop in New Town. Families can also participate in the St. Charles City-County Library Summer Challenge, which runs from June 1 through July 31 and encourages readers of all ages to read, learn, and participate in activities throughout the summer.
Participants can track their progress, earn prizes, and enjoy special library programs designed to keep readers engaged all season long. Visit your local branch or the library’s website to register and learn more about this year’s Summer Challenge.
So what are you waiting for? Join or start a book club, visit a Little Free Library, check out Storytime at The Bridge, or explore your local library to discover where reading can take you.
Links for the Article and Facebook
The Bridge Coffee House:
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20bridge%20coffee%20house
New Town Book Club:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/296017310603635
Summer Library Challenge:
https://www.stchlibrary.org/summer-challenge
Take a picture reading this summer or of each Little Free Library you find and tag @NTx Connect