Photo by Catherine Hammond / Unsplash

The answer: It isn’t always easy. However, there are some fun and interesting upcoming events at local bookstores and libraries that may ignite a spark or keep it lit.

While the list below is a curated selection focused on reading and books, many independent bookstores and libraries offer more — from art-making activities to anime and gaming (see a link to other events after each section). Events often fill up quickly so be sure, ahem, to book spots early.

Homebody Books
6 Park Street, Nyack

Casual Fridays
Friday afternoons thru Labor Day Weekend, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Drop in for some quiet time where kids can read, listen to stories, or work with their hands with others.

Mother Goose Storytime with Elisabeth
Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Nursery rhymes, songs, and vintage stories. Infants and older. Please call or text to register beforehand.

Listening Parties
Listen to an audio recording of “The Hobbit,” or create art inspired by hearing Emily Dickinson poems aloud. Find a date that works for you, gather friends, and call the shop to schedule (minimum 2). Materials charge to purchase beeswax crayons and paper: $20. Our craft box will also be available for little ones to create (nominal donation). Children ages7 and up may stay at the shop without a parent if comfortable.

Learn more about Homebody’s events and read a recent interview with owner Elisabeth Sydor.

Nyack Library
59 South Broadway, Nyack

Lit by the River, a Nyack Celebration of Literature
Bestselling Author Jason Reynolds in Conversation
Register now; event is on September 23, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Jason Reynolds is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and MacArthur Fellow honored with numerous awards, including the Newberry, Printz, Coretta Scott King, NAACP Image, and Kirkus awards. Some of his acclaimed work includes “Ain’t Burned All the Bright” and “Long Way Down.” He served as the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature from 2020 to 2022, and is a two-time National Book Award finalist.

Toddler Time
August 7, 14, 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
For children ages 12 to 36 months with a caregiver
This program features simple stories, songs, and movement games. No advanced registration required. Slots will be filled in person on the day of the program on a first-come, first-served basis.

Last Day to Submit Children’s Reading Logs and Enter Grand Prize Raffle
(for children who participated in the Summer Reading Program)
August 12, all day

Children’s Summer Reading Program Closing Ceremony
(for children age four and up who participated in the Summer Reading Program, have completed their summer reading logs, and have registered)
August 14, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Grand prize winners will be pulled and there will be cake. Register with the children’s room staff if you’ve completed your log and want to come.

Learn about Nyack Library’s Children’s Room and additional events, including Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday (for children entering 3-5 grades) on August 17, and Happy Birthday, America! (for children entering K–2) on August 19.

Valley Cottage Library
110 NY-303
Valley Cottage

Afternoon Toddler Triceratops
August 4, 11, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (please choose one)
Weekly storytime with books and more; ages 18 to 35 months with adult
Registration is required

PreK Parksosaurus Storytime
August 5, 12 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Weekly story times for ages 3 to 5. Books, games, songs, crafts. Parents and siblings are welcome to enter for the craft at the end of the storytime. Registration required (separately for each week)

Baby Bambiraptors
August 7, 14, 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Ages 2 to 17 months with adult
Movement, rhymes, and music. Register separately for each week:

Fun Family Storytime
August 10, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Ages 2 and older with adult(s)
Wear your PJs and bring your favorite snuggly friend for this Fun Family Storytime.
Registration required

Community Read: “Solito”
August 11, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For families and teens
“Solito” is a memoir by Javier Zamora that tells the inspiring story of his migration from El Salvador to the United States at age 9. Come chat about the book with others. Snacks and crafts provided. Registration required.

Learn about more Valley Cottage library events here and check out the staff’s book suggestions for children.

Pearl River Library
80 Franklin Ave.
Pearl River

Storytime
August 6, 13 10:30 a.m. – 11:15
Preschoolers can drop in for stories, songs, and more. No registration required.

Unearth a Story with Wordless Picture Books
August 18, 25 4:00 p.m.–4:45 p.m., ages 7 – 11
Kids are invited to use illustrations from a wordless picture book to create their own unique story to read aloud. Registration is required.

The Rotating Shelf (Book Club for Teens)
August 21, 2:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., September 24 (Thursday evening), ages 11 to 16
Participants vote on the opening genre, then pick any book within it. With each new cycle, there’s a fresh genre. At the end of every month, teens enjoy a meal from Ichiban and talk about what they’ve read. Registration required

Learn about more Pearl River Library events here.