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Middlebury Library outlines 2026 "America the Beautiful" summer reading program with age-tiered challenges and prize drawings
Summary
The Middlebury Public Library's 2026 Summer Reading Initiative runs June to Aug. 12 with age-specific reading challenges, weekly events and grand-prize drawings including a bicycle with a fitted helmet and lock for each of five age categories.
The Middlebury Public Library will run the 2026 Summer Reading Initiative, "America the Beautiful," from June through Aug. 12 to mark the United States' 250th anniversary and focus on national parks, wildlife, conservation and outdoor discovery, Library Director Jo-Ann LoRusso told trustees at the May 12 meeting.
"Participants who complete challenges will be entered into prize drawings within their age category," LoRusso said in the Director's Report. The program includes events such as drop-in story times, Thursday movie matinees, scavenger hunts and special Tuesday programming; participants who finish required activities will be entered for grand prizes.
Grand prizes described in the meeting packet include a bicycle, a fitted helmet and a bike lock for one winner in each of five age categories: adults (three monthly prize entries and one grand prize), tweens (grades 6–8), teens (grades 9–12), children pre-K–3, and children grades 4–5. Staff noted that tween/teen and children's challenges begin June 22; the adult challenge begins June 1.
Trustees discussed logistics around advertising and prize fulfillment given that local bike shops in Middlebury and Southbury have closed; First Selectwoman Mahr offered to contact a bike shop in Middletown. Director LoRusso said she will seek clarification on procurement timelines before advertising the specific bicycle prizes.
