Park Avenue students walk to Wisner for a summer reading preview

On Tuesday, Park Avenue Elementary School students lit out on yet another exciting walking trip to visit their neighbors at the Albert Wisner Public Library. The purpose of this visit was to learn about the library’s 2026 summer reading program, themed Unearth A Story!

Upon arrival, students were warmly greeted by library staff, who introduced a vibrant lineup of summer activities designed to spark imagination and encourage reading.

“Our public librarians told the students about the programs and activities that will be available to them this summer, which included everything from art and music to story times, treasure hunts, and more,” said Park Avenue library media specialist Matt Spicehandler, who always imparts to the students the importance of reading over the summer break.  

The official kick-off of the Unearth a Story program is the Tuesday after high school commencement, June 30, from 1:00 opm until 3:00 pm. You don’t need to be there to sign up — you can do that through the library website any time between June 30 and July 31 — but there will be crafts and refreshments at the event! The program is open to students ages two to 12.

The summer schedule isn’t limited to the summer reading series or to that age range, either. Among the many activities being hosted by the library this summer, a few specific highlights piqued the students’ attention, including STEM-themed programs, book talks and author events, fossil finding, LEGO Sundays, milkshake making, a Mario Kart tournament, and even “drive-in” movie matinees for the family. Not to mention, many outdoor events in the library’s gorgeous garden spaces.

"Our local public library is one of our strongest partners in keeping students engaged with literacy while school is out," Mr. Spicehandler said. "Not only does summer reading and reading-themed activities combat what is often referred to as the "summer slide," but it also fosters a lifelong love of reading, and provides free, equitable access to books and other reading materials, on top of the many enriching community activities we learned about during our visit."