top of page
Untitled design (14)_edited.png

June 22nd - August 26th

5.png

Register or log your reading at ReadSquared

ReadSquared.png

Welcome to Portland Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program: Cook Up An Adventure!

This year’s program is designed for everyone from kids just born to adults over 100.

All to encourage lifelong reading habits and support our community.

How it works: Kids & Teens

Kids

1- Get Tracking

Pick up a reading log at the library

Or

Signup at the ReadSquard Webiste

2 - Get Reading

Log every day you read for 20 minutes or more.

Starts June 22nd

3 - Reward

Earn charms for every 5 days of reading!

And prizes every 15 days of reading!

​

Cook Up an Adventure (grades K-5)

Welcome to Portland Library's 2026 Summer Reading program, Cook Up an Adventure!

 

This program was created for kids to encourage lifelong reading habits.

 : For Teens  

WHAT CAN YOU WIN?
BOOKS!
STUFFIES!
RAFFLES FOR GIFT CARDS!

PROGRAMS
DON'T MISS OUR FREE PROGRAMS SCHEDULED FOR THIS SUMMER!
JUNE 25: RED, WHITE AND BLUE TIE-DYED TEES
JULY 9: SUPER SMOOTHIE PARTY!
JULY 16: FOUR - FOLD QUESADILLAS
JULY 23: MURDER AT THE TACKY SWEATER SHINDIG

JULY 31: AFTER-HOURS LIBRARY LOCK IN

How it works: ADULTS

Adults

Cook Up an Adventure: June 22nd - August 26th!


On June 22nd register for summer reading and receive a coupon for a free book (up to $2.00 in value) from the Friends’ Ongoing Book Sale & another coupon when you log 2000 pages.

​

We had 175 Participants in 2025

Help us Level Up in 2025 to 200 Participants!

​

For each participant who reads at least one book this summer (including audiobooks and graphic novels) the Friends of Portland Library will donate $3 towards two musical instrument rental scholarships for Brownstone Intermediate School students in 2026-27.

 

Thank you to the Friends of the Portland Library for sponsoring the Instrument Scholarships.  

Level 1 - Sign Up

Pick up a reading log at the library

Or

Signup at the ReadSquard Webiste

Reward: $2.00 for FPL Book Sale

Level 2 - Log 1 Book

Keep track of your books:

Bring in your log sheet

Or

Enter them online at ReadSquared

Reward: $3.00 donated by Friends to the BIS Music Scholarship

Level 3 - Reward

Read 2,000 or more pages over the Summer

Reward: $2.00 for the FPL Book Sale

Colorful Bookshelf

Bonus Points!

Drop a review on ReadSquared

Events

Cook Up an Adventure! 
SUMMER EVENTS

  • Jun 22, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    Jun 22, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    Portland Public Library, 20 Freestone Ave, Portland, CT 06480, USA
    All Ages Welcome! On the Waverly Town Green or in the Mary Flood Room if inclement weather. Gather for a West African-inspired drum circle led by Mark Zarrillo, knowledgeable in West African music, culture and with 40 years drumming wisdom. Drums will be supplied.
  • Multiple Dates
    1 day to the event
    Jun 23, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
    Jun 23, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
    Portland Public Library, 20 Freestone Ave, Portland, CT 06480, USA
    Going into grades 3-5 June 23, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4 We’ll go on a new food-themed adventure each week focused on science experiments, art projects and of course, cooking!
  • 1 day to the event
    Jun 23, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Jun 23, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Portland Public Library, 20 Freestone Ave, Portland, CT 06480, USA
    This workshop is the perfect introduction to sourdough! A fun and educational presentation that walks through the basics - what sourdough is, how it works, and why it’s so special. It’s simple, engaging, and perfect for curious beginners.
  • Multiple Dates
    2 days to the event
    Jun 24, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
    Jun 24, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
    Portland Public Library, 20 Freestone Ave, Portland, CT 06480, USA
    Going into grades K-2 Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m June 24, July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5 Travel around the world with us as we learn about different cultures through cooking and crafts. Registration is required and opens on Monday, June 1 at 10:00 a.m.
  • 2 days to the event
    Jun 24, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
    Jun 24, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
    Portland Middle School, 93 High St, Portland, CT 06480, USA
    Family friendly magic show featuring amazing tricks, audience participation and comedy! Registration requested, but not required.
  • 3 days to the event
    Jun 25, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Jun 25, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Portland Public Library, 20 Freestone Ave, Portland, CT 06480, USA
    Going into grades 6-up America is turning 250 years old this year and we’re ready to celebrate! Join us by the library flagpole to tie dye a red, white and blue Tshirt just in time for the Fourth of July and then continuing the celebration by decorating your own tie-dye cupcake.
  • 7 days to the event
    Jun 29, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Jun 29, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Portland Public Library, 20 Freestone Ave, Portland, CT 06480, USA
    Local crafter Laurie-Lynne of Creative Girl Studios will teach different techniques to make wire wrapped sea glass jewelry. Each participant will leave with a completed pendant necklace, a sachet bag and instruction sheet. Allergen-free wire in many different colors, wax cotton cording in many color
  • Multiple Dates
    14 days to the event
    Jul 06, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
    Jul 06, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
    Portland Library, 20 Freestone Ave, Portland, CT 06480, USA
    Join us in our Mary Flood Room to enjoy stories, rhymes and songs about some of our favorite tasty treats! A craft project will be offered at the end of each program.
  • 16 days to the event
    Jul 08, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Jul 08, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Portland Public Library, 20 Freestone Ave, Portland, CT 06480, USA
    Movie 1:00p.m. Mary Flood Room You, Me & Tuscany (2026; rated PG-13) will be shown. Run time 105 minutes.
  • 17 days to the event
    Jul 09, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
    Jul 09, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
    Portland Public Library, 20 Freestone Ave, Portland, CT 06480, USA
    When General George Washington beat a hasty retreat from New York City in August 1776, many thought the American Revolution might soon be over. Instead, Washington rallied thanks in large part to a little-known, top-secret group called the Culper Spy Ring.
Reviews

Reviews

Submitted by our own Patrons using the ReadSquared website. Log some books and get your reviews in today!

9780812986372.jpg

The Paris Novel
- Ruth Reichl 

Loved it — well written — reminded me of “Shadow of the Wind” written by Carlos Ruiz Zafron — which I also enjoyed.

-M.H. 

the-fire-the-water-and-maudie-mcginn-cover.jpeg_resize=339,499&ssl=1.jpeg

The Fire, The Water,
And Maudie Mcginn
- Sally J. Pla

Oh I loved Maudie and her growth and strength! This was fast and beautiful and lyrical, but also infuriating! I couldn't put it down

-S. R.

123429195.jpg

That's not my Name
Megan Lally

Quick read! Heart pounding, nail biter! This book hooks you right in from the beginning. Totally did Not see that ending!! Loved this book and highly recommend even for adults! -C.G.

bottom of page