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GPL Summer 2026

Letter to the Community

Library Director, Christina Ryan-Linder

It’s almost that time of the year – Summer Reading is right around the corner.

 

Summer Reading is not just for kids. Make the most of Summer Reading at the Library by partaking in the reading challenge and discover some great new material that you might not have had time to read before now.  The library is here to keep you and your family engaged in reading, help you to explore new genres, and to encourage you to participate in community activities.

In 2025, over 700 adults, children, and young adults participated in the GPL Summer Reading Program with a total of 108 summer programs provided and almost 4,000 people attending these programs. In 2026, the Library has another packed schedule starting with the Children's Summer Reading Kick-Off outdoor event on Thursday, June 11th, beginning at 5:30 pm.

 

Get the most out of your Summer Reading experience!

 

Take advantage of the Summer theme - Unearth a Story!

Starting with a theme will help keep your reading momentum going. This year’s theme is about discovery and trying new things. There will be plenty of titles to choose from that will go along with this theme.  

 

Work with the Librarians – Ask the Library staff; they can often provide wonderful reading options. Don’t just ask for “good books.” Let us know some of your past favorites, tell us how you like to read, and ask us what others are currently reading.  Librarians always offer great titles beyond the best seller lists.

 

Mix it up! - Make use of the Library’s digital apps.

Libby, CloudLibrary, and Hoopla all offer e-Books and e-Audiobooks. Having a book on your tablet or listening to an audiobook while driving to a Summer destination can enhance your vacation experience. There are also plenty of travel books on the digital apps that you can access at any time. Listening to audiobooks during walks, commuting, workouts, or chores can also dramatically increase how much reading you can achieve during the Summer.

 

Participate in events – Bring the family into the Library on a day that there is a program or event. While you are enjoying the many wonderful activities, make sure to pick up a selection of materials to tide you and the whole family over until your next visit.

 

Christina Ryan-Linder

Library Director 

Keeping Up with GPL!

Patron Communication Survey Results

Patron Communicatyion Survey Results

Recently, we surveyed attendees at our programs to understand how they find out about what’s going on at GPL and in the community. We were surprised to see that when it comes to sharing information about upcoming events, word of mouth is nearly as popular as emails, with an almost equal number of people using our print or online event calendar to stay informed.   

 

As for where our community learns about local news, we found that most people rely heavily on email for local updates, reinforcing that email is a vital communication channel for connecting with you!  

 

Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out our survey. Please keep sharing your favorite library events with friends and neighbors!

250th Anniversary

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution at the Greenburgh Public Library this Summer! Grab your free copy of Revolutionary Westchester 250’s map and guide at the Greenburgh Public Library’s Info Desk and other Westchester County libraries. Visit historic structures, plaques, and markers where history happened!

ODell House Artifacts

Check out our own piece of American Revolution History at our Second Floor Swoop Display Cases with The Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters Artifacts exhibit. The items on display were found at the Odell House at 425 Ridge Road, Hartsdale, NY. Built in four stages (1732, 1760, 1785, and 1855), the house is historically important for several reasons. During the Revolutionary War, the French general, le Comte de Rochambeau, stayed in the house for six weeks in the summer of 1781, surrounded by his army of 5,000 men, while General George Washington and the Continental Army camped nearby in Ardsley. The French had become our allies during the war, and the two generals spent weeks 

traveling  through Westchester and the Bronx to gather intelligence on the strength of the British Army and Navy in British-occupied New York City.

America Failure thumbnail

America:

Failure at 250 

Saturday, June 27

2 pm

Multipurpose Room

 

Filmmaker Jon Scott Bennett is back to present his new film, America: Failure at 250. This video essay investigates the failure, from Ken Burns to Donald Trump, to meaningfully examine our nation’s history during the 250th anniversary. 

The Revolutionary War in Westchester County: 1775-1783  thumbnail

The Revolutionary War in Westchester County: 1775-1783 

Wednesday, July 1

7 pm

Multipurpose Room

 

Walt Johanson, historian and Navy veteran, will discuss the political climate of Westchester County during the American Revolution and the region's military engagements on land and at sea. 

Happy 250th, America! Thursday, July 2, 2 PM, virtual

Happy 250th, America!  

Thursday, July 2

2 pm

Virtual

 

Explore the history and traditions of Independence Day, from the first celebrations in 1776 to the upcoming Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary). Discover how beloved traditions such as picnics, parades, and fireworks became part of America's most celebrated holiday.

The Art of the American Independence image

The Art of American Independence:Beyond the Declaration

Wednesday, July 8

11 am

Virtual

 

Learn about the paintings that depict America as it fought to break from British rule and create an independent country. View how artists depicted the events that led up to the Revolution, the battles that raged during the conflict, the creation and signing of a Declaration of Independence.

Local Hisstory Presentation: Yankee Stargazers, Wednesday, September 2, 7 pm virtual registrationr equired

Yankee Stargazers 

Wednesday, September 2

7 pm 

Virtual

 

Join us for this tribute to American astronomers and explore how the science of astronomy developed from the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence right up to the present day. And we’ll clue you in on where to look in the sky to see a star, whose light began on its journey to Earth 250 years ago, and is only arriving now, for us to view in 2026 

Library of Things

The study pods at the Library continue to be a tremendous success. During the month of May alone, we recorded 279 confirmed bookings across all three pods. Patrons have used the pods for a variety of purposes, including studying, podcasting, voiceover work, telehealth appointments, job interviews, and much more. We are excited to see the many ways the community is utilizing these spaces and look forward to their continued use. Pods are available to any Westchester Library System cardholder in good standing and are open for all ages. 

As summer travel season begins, don't forget that the Library offers equipment to help you get road-trip ready. Borrow our OBD-II Scanner to check for vehicle fault codes and obtain diagnostic information before hitting the road. We also offer a portable tire inflator that can quickly inflate your vehicle's tires to the proper PSI, as well as beach balls, basketballs, volleyballs, and other recreational equipment. 

New Reading Recommendation Subscription Service

Introducing Recommends image of books

What to read next? The dilemma every reader faces from time to time. Good news! We are changing things up to make it even easier to find your next read! We are upgrading our current reading recommendation tool to Recommends.

 

Recommends is like having a personal librarian who understands your taste perfectly. Once you opt in, you will get personalized reading recommendations sent straight to your inbox based on the types of books you already love. No spam, no guessing games—just great book matches from the Westchester Library System’s collection.

Because of this upgrade, your current email preferences will not transfer over automatically. You will need to resubscribe to keep getting updates on your favorite reading topics!

 

When you sign up for the new service, you will get custom reading recommendations delivered straight to your inbox and ready to reserve on the 15th of every month. It is the easiest way to make sure you never miss a great book match!

 

Ready to keep the books coming? Subscribe to Recommends and select your favorite topics today!

Teen Tech Programs

Expand your technology skills, and prepare for the future with our Teen Tech Programs! This summer, teens can learn the basics of coding in our beginner-friendly Python Coding Class, discover how Artificial Intelligence is shaping the world through hands-on activities and discussions, or train to become a Teen Tech Helper and assist library patrons with everyday technology questions.

 

Whether you're interested in programming, curious about AI, or looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity, there's a program for you. Registration is required for most programs. Visit the library (or our website) for details and to sign up.

Summer Reading at GPL!

Summer Reading Program for Children 

Kickoff to Summer Reading with the Bubble Bus, Thursday, June 11, 5:30-7:30 PM

Get ready to dig into adventure at Greenburgh Public Library! This year’s Summer reading theme is Unearth a Story. Children of all ages can track their reading for beads and books, and attend our free and engaging programs. These exciting events will include a Family Fun Night with American folk tales and music, a show from Joe the Magic Man, a Baby-Sitters Club 40th anniversary Party, a Hula Hoop program, a fossil digging class led by a real paleontologist, a Kpop Demon Hunters dance party, and much more!

The fun begins with our biggest event of the year: our Summer Reading Kickoff Party!  This will take place on Thursday, June 11th at 5:30 pm in the Library Circle. Enjoy a special visit from the Bubble Bus, music, games, crafts, treats, free books, and more! You can also register for summer reading and receive your free swag bag containing everything needed to start your Summer reading Journey. Visit the Summer Reading Kickoff page to register. Hope to see you there!

Summer Reading Challenge for Teens

Teen Summer Kickoff - Wednesday, June 17, 6-8 PM

School’s out, and summer is officially here! Join the library’s Teen Summer Reading Challenge from June 11 through August 13, 2026, for a summer filled with books, activities, prizes, and fun. Tweens and teens entering grades 6–12 can pick up a Summer Reading Punch Card at the Teenburgh Information Desk or download one on our website. For every activity completed, participants can visit the library to have their punch card punched by a librarian. Each completed card returned by August 13 earns an entry into our summer prize drawings. Teens can submit multiple punch cards for additional chances to win, and the first 5 teens to register will receive swag bags filled with snacks from H-Mart. 

Kick-off the summer at our Teen Summer Kickoff on June 17 from 6–8 pm, featuring games, pizza, henna art, bracelet making, bookmark designing, a teen book giveaway, prizes, and more. Registration is required for the Kickoff event, which is open to ages 12–19.  

Battle of the Books!

Love reading? Love competition? Students entering grades 4–12 in September 2026 are invited to join one of the library’s Battle of the Books teams and compete in the 2026 tournament on Saturday, October 24, 2026! Battle of the Books is a fun and exciting reading competition where participants work together as a team to read selected titles, practice answering trivia-style questions, and test their knowledge against other teams. GPL’s Battle of the Books season officially begins this summer, and interested readers are encouraged to attend our interest meeting on Wednesday, June 24, at 7 pm, to learn more about this year’s book list, practice schedule, and team expectations. Can’t make the meeting? Visit the library website and email the appropriate coach to sign up and receive more information. Whether you’re a longtime reader or looking to discover new books and friends, Battle of the Books is a great way to make reading part of your summer and fall!  

Adult Summer Reading Game 

Passport to Read - Adult Summer Reading Game

Who says Summer Reading is just for kids? Not Greenburgh Public Library! Last year, over 200 adults joined the fun—and we’re aiming even higher this year.

 

Starting Thursday, June 11, swing by the library to grab your Summer Reading Passport. Then the adventure begins—read, track your books, and turn in your completed passport by Thursday, August 13.

 

Here’s the best part: you can complete as many passports as you want! Each one (that’s 8 books read) earns you an entry 

into our prize drawing. And the prizes? Pretty amazing—a year-long membership to The Met or a gift card to the Alamo Drafthouse. So grab a book (or eight), and let’s make this summer one for the pages.

Staff Picks

Kids

Here Comes Ocean by Meg Fleming
Goldilocks and the three knocks By gregory barrington
Sleepy Sheepy by Lucy Ruth Cummins
Night Lunch by eric fan
Flotsam by David Wiesner
 A couple of boys have the best week ever by Marla Frazee
 Operation: Make a Splash by Tate Godwin
Real Pigeons Splash Back by Andrew McDonald

Tweens and Teens

The Try out by Christina Soontornvat
Going Overboard by Caroline Huntoon
Last Day Pool Party by Emma Steinkellner
Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan
love & gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare
An Expanse of Blue Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams
 The Honeys by Ryan La Sala

Adults

Star Shipped by Cat Sebastian Adult Book
London Falling by Ptrick Radden Keefe - Adult
The Kaiju Preservation Society - John Scalzi
Seek the Traitor's Son by Veronic Roth - Adult book
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
Call Me Ishmaelle by Xiaolu Guo

Graphic Novels

The complete Persepolis by Marijane Satrapi
Embroideries cover by Marjane Satrapi
Chicken with plums cover by Marjane Satrapi
woman life freedom cover marjane satrapi
Huge Detective by Adam Rose
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell by Charles Soule
When I lay my vengeance upon thee by Gus Moreno

Audiobooks

Japanese Gothic by Kylie.Lee Baker
Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle
The Salt Stones by Helen Whybrow
Flesh by David Szalay
Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman
A Far-Flung Life by ML Stedman
Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I've Cried About by Isabel Klee
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
Famesick by Lena Dunham
Remarkably bright creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Videos & Streaming

Over the Garden Wall - DVD
Ruby Gillman, Teen Kraken DVD
The Other Bennet Sister - BritBox
Platonic on Apple TV
Widow's Bay Apple TV
Send Help on dvd
Shrinking Apple TV
Hello of a Summer Movie

Music

Ragtime the Musical (2025 Broadway Cast Recording)
Khruangbin The Universe Smiles Upon You
KPop Demon Hunter Netflix Soundtrack
With Heaven on Top - Zach Bryan (album)

GREENBURGH PUBLIC LIBRARY

300 Tarrytown Rd.

Elmsford, NY 10523

(914) 721-8200

 

greenburghlibrary.org

Monday: 9:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Thursday: 9:30 AM - 5 PM

Friday: 9:30 AM - 5 PM

Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5 PM

Sunday: 1 PM - 5 PM

 

Closed Sundays, Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day

Thanks to the Friends of the Greenburgh Library for so many of these wonderful programs and services!  

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