Summer Reading – Springfield City Library

One Read, One Springfield

After a 20-year hiatus, One Read, One Springfield, a community-wide event that encourages adult readers to all read the same book, is back!

One Read, One Springfield is a community-wide event that encourages adult readers to all read the same book. The goal of the event is to foster community and connection between our residents. In the fall, there will be programs at all of our library locations related to the book selection that highlight its themes.

Un libro para toda la comunidad es un evento que fomenta a lectores adultos y adolescentes a que todos lean el mismo libro, con el objetivo de fomentar el sentimiento comunitario y la conexión en Springfield. Lea el libro durante el verano y disfrute de los programas de la biblioteca, en todas sus sucursales, durante el otoño.

2026 Selection:
Braiding Sweetgrass
by Robin Wall Kimmerer

As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings will we be capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learn to give our own gifts in return.

Physical copies are available in English, Spanish, and the Young Readers edition at every Springfield City Library location. Digital copies are available online via Libby and Hoopla. Check out the catalog below for more details.

If you liked Braiding Sweetgrass, try these:

Stay tuned for programs coming in Fall 2026! / ¡Esté atento a los programas que llegarán en el otoño de 2026!

Summer Reading: Plant a Seed, Read! Planta una semilla, lee!

Summer Reading at Springfield City Library June 15 – August 15

Helps Us Grow a #CommunityofReaders in Springfield!

Collect ‘seeds’ for reading to earn PRIZES!
Story City storytime series at fire stations and community gardens, and special hands-on experiences with Butterflies, Plants, Food, and Music for children
Seed Bombs, Magic Tree Henna, PRIDE Friendship Bracelets, Birdfeeders, Food Explorers, and more just for Teens
Book Clubs, DIY and wellness crafts, ‘Celebrate MA250’ history programs, and ‘One Read, One Springfield’ community reading for Adults
Plus, live Music Performances, Musical Petting Zoos, and Music Workshops for all ages
End of Summer Celebration on Saturday, August 8

Español

Lecturas de verano en la Biblioteca de la Ciudad de Springfield
Del 15 de junio al 15 de agosto

Planta una semilla, lee! ¡Ayúdanos a cultivar una comunidad de lectores!

* ¡Lee para recolectar “semillas” y ganar PREMIOS!
* Serie de cuentacuentos “Story City” en parques de bombas y jardines comunitarios
* Experiencias prácticas especiales para niños con mariposas, plantas, comida y música
* Además, bombas de semillas, henna del árbol mágico, pulseras de la amistad del ORGULLO, abrevaderos para pájaros, “Exploradores de la comida” y mucho más solo para adolescentes

Tiếng Việt

Đọc sách Mùa hè tại Thư viện Thành phố Springfield
Từ ngày 15 tháng 6 đến ngày 15 tháng 8

Gieo hạt giống, Đọc sách ngay!
Hãy cùng Chúng tôi Phát triển một Cộng đồng Người yêu sách!

* Đọc để thu thập “hạt giống” và nhận GIẢI THƯỞNG!
* Loạt câu chuyện “Story City” tại các trạm cứu hỏa và vườn cộng đồng
* Trải nghiệm thực tế đặc biệt dành cho trẻ em với Bướm, Cây trồng, Thực phẩm và Âm nhạc
* Cùng với các hoạt động làm Bom hạt giống, Vẽ Henna Cây Thần kỳ, Làm vòng tay hữu nghị PRIDE, Làm máng ăn cho chim, “Khám phá ẩm thực” và nhiều hoạt động khác dành riêng cho Thanh thiếu niên

Creole Haitian

Aktivite Lekti pandan Ete nan Bibliyotèk Minisipal Springfield 15 Jen- 15 Out

Plante yon grenn, li!
Ede nou grandi yon kominote lektè!

* Li pou ranmase ‘grenn’ epi genyen PRIM!
* Seri istwa ‘Story City’ nan estasyon ponpye ak jaden kominotè
* Eksperyans pratik espesyal pou timoun ak Papiyon, Plant, Manje, ak Mizik
* Anplis de sa, Bonm Grenn, Henna Pyebwa Majik, Braslè Zanmitay PRIDE, Manje Zwazo, “Eksploratè Manje,” ak plis ankò espesyalman pou Adolesan

РУССКИЙ

Программа летнего чтения в городской библиотеке Спрингфилда с 15 июня по 15 августа

Посейте семя, читайте!
Помогите нам вырастить сообщество читателей!

* Читайте, чтобы собрать «семена» и заработать ПРИЗЫ!
* Чтение сказок «Город историй» на пожарных станциях и в общественных садах.
* Практические занятия с бабочками, растениями, едой и музыкой для детей.
* А ещё есть «клубки семян», хна из листьев волшебного дерева, браслеты дружбы PRIDE, кормушки для птиц, «Food Explorers» (исследователи еды) и многоедругое для подростков.

Português

Leitura de Verão na
Biblioteca Municipal de Springfield
15 de junho a 15 de agosto

Plante uma semente, leia!
Ajude-nos a cultivar uma comunidade de leitores!

* Leia para colecionar “sementes” e ganhar PRÊMIOS!
* Série de narração de histórias “Story City” em quartéis de bombeiros e hortas comunitárias
* Experiências práticas especiais para crianças com borboletas, plantas, comida e música
* E ainda, Bombinhas de Sementes, henna da Árvore Mágica, pulseiras da amizade PRIDE, comedouros de pássaros, “Exploradores de Alimentos” e muito mais, só para adolescentes

Kiswahili

Kusoma Msimu wa Joto katika
Maktaba ya Jiji la Springfield
Juni 15 hadi Agosti 15

Panda Mbegu, Soma!
Tusaidie Kukuza Jamii ya Wasomaji!

* Soma ili ukusanye ‘mbegu’ na ushinde ZAWADI!
* Mfululizo wa hadithi za‘Story City’ katika vituo vya zima moto na mabustani ya jamii
* Shughulimaalum za vitendo kwa watoto kwa kutumia Vipepeo, Mimea, Chakula na Muziki
* Pamoja na, Mabomu ya Mbegu, Mti wa Maajabu wa Henna, Bangili za Urafiki za PRIDE, Walisha Ndege, “Wagundua Vyakula,” na zaidi kwa Vijana pekee

Somaliyeed

Wax akhriska Xagaaga ee
Maktabadda Magaalada Springfield
Juun 15 – Ogoosto 15

Beer Iniin, Wax akhri!
Naga caawi Kobcinta Akhristeyaasha Bulshada!

* Wax akhri si aad u urursato ‘dhibco’ una hesho ABAALMARINO!
* ‘Story City’ oo ah taxane sheekooyin looga sheekaysto xarumaha dabdamiska iyo jardiinada dadweynaha
* Gaar ah waaya-aragnimo itus oo i taabsii ah oo loogu talagalay caruurta taasoo leh Balanbaalis, Dhir, Cunto, iyo Heeso
* Waxaa dheer, Seed Bombs, Magic Tree Henna, PRIDE Friendship Bracelets, Birdfeeders, “Food Explorers,” iyo waxyaabo kale waxaa loogu talagalay Dhalinyarada

عربي

برنامج القراءة الصيفية في مكتبة مدينة سبرينغفيلد
في الفترة من 15 يونيو إلى 15 أغسطس

ازرع بذرة، واقرأ!
ساعدنا في بناء مجتمع من القرّاء!

اقرأ لجمع “البذور” وكسب جوائز!
سلسلة “مدينة الحكايات” لسرد القصص في محطات الإطفاء والحدائق المجتمعية
تجارب عملية مميّزة للأطفال مع الفراشات، والنباتات، والطعام، والموسيقى
بالإضافة إلى قنابل البذور، وحناء الشجرة السحرية، وأساور الصداقة الخاصة بالفخر، ومغذيات الطيور، و”مستكشفو الطعام”، وغيرها الكثير للمراهقين فقط

中文

Springfield 市立图书馆夏季阅读活动
6 月 15 日至 8 月 15 日

种下一颗种子，开启阅读之旅！
与我们一同培育阅读社区！

* 阅读集“种子”，赢取精美奖品！
* “故事之城”故事会系列：走进消防站与社区花园
* 专为儿童打造蝴蝶、植物、美食、音乐主题特色动手体验
* 青少年专属活动：种子炸弹制作、魔法树海娜彩绘、PRIDE 主题友谊手链、喂鸟器制作、“美食探索家”等更多精彩

How to participate:

★ Sign up for Summer Reading and read as much as you can this summer!

Join the Children’s or Adult Summer Reading Challenge. Teens may choose to participate in the Children’s or Adult challenge! To participate:

Download the Beanstack app or use the Library’s Beanstack desktop website, OR pick up a Paper Log at any Springfield City Library Branch or print one online.
Earn a seed for every minute you read this summer and grow your reading garden to earn prizes!
Record your reading time along the garden path to help your seeds bloom into flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

Log Your Reading with Beanstack!

With Beanstack, you can track your reading minutes, write book reviews, and participate in fun activities! Plus, earn special badges to celebrate your reading achievements. Participate on the Library’s Beanstack site or download the Beanstack app. If you need help, watch the Beanstack tutorial or ask a librarian!

Log Your Reading with a Paper Log!

Select a button below to download a paper reading log to print.

Timoun
(Creole Haitian)

Watoto
(Kiswahili)

Carruurta
(Somaliyeed)

أطفال
(عربي)

ДЕТИ
(РУССКИЙ)

What Counts As Reading?

Books • Magazines • Graphic Novels, Comics & Manga • Audiobooks • E-books • Online Articles • Gaming Manuals • Cereal Boxes • Street Signs • Subtitles • As a Family • Listening During Storytimes • To Pets and Toys • And more!

★ Visit your local library Branch to claim a prize for each item that you grow in your reading garden!

Sign-up prizes*: Spin-to-win prizes for children, Choice of plant growing kits for adults, and Free Choice for teens!
Prize Baskets for Youth: Grow items in your reading garden to earn raffle tickets for a chance to win one of nine, specially-themed prize baskets. The more you read, the better your chance of winning!
- Early Literacy! (Babies)
- Animals! (Babies/Early Elementary)
- Gardening! (Early Elementary)
- Back to School! (Elementary)
- Movie Night! (Elementary/Tween)
- Boredom Buster! (Elementary/Tween)
- Summer Fun! (Elementary/Tween/Teen)
- Sports! (Tween/Teen)
- Crafting! (Tween/Teen)
Completion Prizes*: Special age-appropriate toys for young readers and choice of surprise gifts for adults to enhance your seasonal experience!
“Visit to Win” Raffle: Library visitors of all ages can earn one raffle ticket per person, per day when you visit a Springfield City Library location or attend a library program during the summer. Enter to win the raffle of your choice, which feature prizes and gift cards from local businesses:
- Big Y Supermarket $25 Gift Certificate
- Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art Family Pass
- Food Zone International Supermarket $25 Gift Certificate
- Friendly’s Ice Cream & Restaurant $25 Gift Certificate
- Holyoke Children’s Museum Youth Tickets
- InterSkate 91 4-Pack Tickets
- Nathan Bill’s Restaurant $25 Gift Certificate
- Rocky’s Hardware $25 Gift Certificate
- Sixteen Acres Garden Center $25 Gift Certificate
- U.S.S. Constitution Museum Group Admission Tickets
- White Lion Brewing Company $25 Gift Certificate
- Yankee Candle Free Wax Works Coupon

*While supplies last.

★ Don’t miss these special programs and activities!

Enjoy free, fun activities for all ages, all summer long:

Kids events

Teen events

All events

Visit your nearest library location any day to get a take-and-make activity, do a drop-in craft, or participate in a scavenger hunt!

★ Join us at our End of Summer Celebration!

Saturday, August 8, 2026 – 11:00am–2:00pm at Greenleaf Park

Let’s celebrate a summer of growing a community of readers in Springfield! Meet at us Greenleaf Park for our End of Summer Celebration, featuring lawn games, crafts, food, and community connection for ALL AGES. Don’t miss this fun, free event to close out the summer!

The celebration will take place at Greenleaf Park in Sixteen Acres, Springfield. Free, accessible parking is available at Greenleaf Community Center and the Sixteen Acres Branch Library. Greenleaf Park is also accessible via PVTA Bus Routes B17 & X94.

Thank you to this year’s sponsors!

The Springfield City Library Summer Reading Challenge is supported by your local library, the Springfield Library Foundation and the Springfield Library Foundation’s Rose M. Smith Music Fund, the Friends of the Springfield Library, PeoplesBank, and the Massachusetts Library System.

El Desafío de lectura de verano de la biblioteca de la ciudad de Springfield cuenta con el apoyo de su biblioteca local, la Fundación de la biblioteca de Springfield y el Fondo de música Rose M. Smith de la Fundación de la biblioteca de Springfield, los Amigos de la biblioteca de Springfield, PeoplesBank y el Sistema de bibliotecas de Massachusetts.

Seed Library

In 2026, Springfield City Library is adding a Seed Library to every Branch!

The Seed Library is now available at all Springfield City Library Branches! Access FREE organic, non-GMO seeds at every library location to grow vegetables, greens, herbs, and flowers in the Springfield community.

“If you have a garden and a library you have everything you need” – Cicero

The Springfield City Library is one of many libraries from across the nation that participates in the seed library movement! Originating in 1975 in the United Kingdom, seed libraries have spread all over the world to encourage growth of local plant species and preservation of seed varieties. Springfield City Library’s Seed Library brings us back to our roots in Springfield, connecting us to a history of farmers and growers of all kinds in Western Massachusetts. Grab some seeds and a shovel, and help local vegetables, greens, herbs, and flowers bloom in our community.

Springfield City Library’s Seed Library is made possible through generous donations from Vermont-based seed company High Mowing Organic Seeds, the Alliance of Native Seedkeepers, and UMass Amherst’s Common Seed Project. Thank you to these organizations for supplying seeds for urban gardening, vegetable gardens, container gardens, flower gardens, and more in Springfield, Massachusetts!

2026 Common Seed: Hopi Black Dye Sunflower

To help spread the seeds all across the City, seed envelopes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. We ask that patrons take no more than 5 seed envelopes per library visit to help share the inventory. Each envelope contains enough seeds to grow at least a square foot of the plant.

Below you’ll find a list of varieties available in our Seed Library. Visit your local library Branch to see what seeds are in stock, to check out books on gardening, and to get help finding answers to all your growing questions!

Visit the Library’s website for the locations and hours of your nearest Branch.

2026 Seed Library Seeds

Category	Name of Plant
Bean	Maxibel Haricot Vert Bean
Bean	Rattlesnake Pole Bean
Bean	Northeaster Pole Bean
Bean	Compass Filet Bush Bean
Bean	Mardi Grad Blend Bean
Beet	Guardsmark Chiogga Beet
Beet	Touchstone Gold Beet
Beet	Red Ace Beet
Beet	Detroit Dark Red Beet
Broccoli	Waltham 29 Broccoli
Broccoli	De Cicco Broccoli
Broccoli	Belstar Broccoli
Cabbage	Golden Acre Cabbage
Cabbage	Amarant Cabbage
Cabbage	Caraflex Cabbage
Cabbage	Tiara Cabbage
Carrot	Dolciva Carrot
Carrot	Starburst Carrot Blend
Carrot	Naval Carrot
Carrot	Lila Lu Carrot
Carrot	Negovia Carrot
Cauliflower	Adona Cauliflower
Celery	Tango Celery
Chard	Fordhook Giant Chard
Chard	Sunset Chard
Cucumber	Shintokiwa Cucumber
Cucumber	Green Finger Cucumber
Cucumber	National Pickling Cucumber
Cucumber	Marketmore 76 Cucumber
Eggplant	Listada di Gandia Eggplant
Eggplant	Black Beauty Eggplant
Eggplant	Ping Tung Long Eggplant
Fennel	Preludio Fennel
Flowers (misc)	Sensation Blend Cosmos
Flowers (misc)	Black Beauty Poppy
Flowers (misc)	Planète Rouge du Jura Poppy
Flowers (misc)	Nigella
Flowers (misc)	Nasturtium Blend
Flowers (misc)	Resina Calendula
Greens	Bopak Pak Choi
Greens	Tat Soi Asian Green
Greens	Champion Collard Greens
Herbs	Bouquet Dill
Herbs	Greensleeves Dill
Herbs	Genovese Basil
Herbs	Thyme
Herbs	Grüne Perle Parsley
Herbs	Italian Flat Leaf Parsley
Herbs	Chives
Herbs	Santo Cilantro
Kale	Lacinato Dinosaur Kale
Kale	Ironman Kale Mix
Kale	Meadowlark Kale
Kale	Red Russian Kale
Leek	Tadorna Leek
Lettuce	New Red Fire Lettuce
Lettuce	Optima Butterhead Lettuce
Lettuce	Salad Bowl Lettuce
Lettuce	Green Towers Romaine Lettuce
Lettuce	High Mowing Blend Mesclun Lettuce
Lettuce	Pirat Butterhead Lettuce
Lettuce	Lovelock Lettuce
Lettuce	Freckles Lettuce
Lettuce	Red Planet Lettuce Salad Blend
Melon	True Love Melon
Melon	Moon & Stars Watermelon
Melon	Sugar Baby Watermelon
Melon	Blacktail Mountain Watermelon
Okra	Clemson Spineless 80 Okra
Onion	Cortland Onion
Onion	Red Geneva Cippolini Onion
Onion	Ailsa Craig Onion
Parsnip	Halblange Parsnip
Peas	Cascadia Snap Pea
Peas	Laxton’s Progress #9 Shell Pea
Peas	Mammoth Melting Snow Pea
Peas	Sweet Gem Sugar Snap Pea
Pepper, Hot	Early Jalepeno Hot Pepper
Pepper, Hot	Shishito Pepper
Pepper, Hot	Ring-O-Fire Cayenne Hot Pepper
Pepper, Sweet	King of the North Sweet Pepper
Pepper, Sweet	Picnic Orange Pepper
Pepper, Sweet	Golden California Wonder Sweet Pepper
Pepper, Sweet	California Wonder Sweet Pepper
Pepper, Sweet	HMS Red Picnic Pepper
Radish	Cherry Belle Radish
Radish	Sora Radish
Radish	Valentine’s Day Blend Radish
Radish	Daikon-type Radish
Radish	French Breakfast Radish
Spinach	Renegade Spinach
Spinach	Butterflay Spinach
Squash, Winter	Howden Pumpkin
Squash, Winter	Jack Be Little Pumpkin
Squash, Winter	Waltham Butternut Winter Squash
Squash, Winter	Burgess Butternut Winter Squash
Squash, Winter	Sweet REBA Acorn Squash
Squash, Summer	Yellow Crookneck Summer Squash
Sunflowers	Hella Sonnenblume Sunflower
Sunflowers	Goldy Double Sunflower
Sunflowers	Evening Colors Sunflower
Tomato	Sweetie Cherry Tomato
Tomato	Toma Verde Tomatillo
Tomato	Cherokee Purple Tomato
Tomato	Mountain Princess Tomato
Tomato	Black Cherry Tomato
Tomato	San Marzano Paste Tomato
Tomato	Peacevine Cherry Tomato
Tomato	Green Zebra Tomato
Tomato	Matt’s Wild Cherry Tomato
Tomato	Amish Paste Tomato
Tomato	Pink Champagne Cherry Tomato
Tomato	Supernova Grape Tomato
Tomato	Brandywine Tomato
Zinnias	County Fair Blend Zinnias
Zinnias	Red Scarlet Zinnia
Zinnias	Giant Coral Zinnia
Zinnias	Dwarf Thumbolina Zinnia
Zinnias	Yellow Zinnia
Zucchini	Dark Green Zucchini
Zucchini	Cocozelle Zucchini

2021 School Summer Reading Lists

2021 Springfield, Massachusetts area school summer reading lists.

Academy Hill School, Springfield MA

2021 Summer Reading Assignments

Central High School, Springfield MA

AP Summer Assignments

Chicopee Comprehensive High School

2021 Reading Lists

Hampden Charter School of Science, Chicopee MA

Summer of Words 2021

Minnechaug Regional High School, Wilbraham, MA

Chaug Summer Reading

Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School, South Hadley MA

(not yet available)

Pope Francis High School, Springfield MA

Summer Reading List 2021 – Freshman
Summer Reading List 2021 – Sophomore
Summer Reading List 2021 – Junior
Summer Reading List 2021 – Senior

Springfield Public Schools, Springfield MA

Springfield Public Schools High School 2021 Summer Reading Lists
Springfield Public Schools Middle School 2021 Summer Reading Lists

St Michael’s Academy, Springfield MA

2021 Summer Reading

2020 School Summer Reading Lists

2020 Springfield area school summer reading lists.

2019 School Summer Reading Lists Image

Academy Hill School, Springfield MA

2020 Summer Reading Assignments

Central High School, Springfield MA

AP Summer Assignments

Chicopee Comprehensive High School

2020 Reading Lists

Hampden Charter School of Science, Chicopee MA

Summer Reading

Minnechaug Regional High School, Wilbraham, MA

2020 Minnechaug summer reading choices

Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School, South Hadley MA

(not yet available)

Pope Francis High School, Springfield MA

Summer Reading List 2020 – Freshman
Summer Reading List 2020 – Sophomore
Summer Reading List 2020 – Junior
Summer Reading List 2020 – Senior

Springfield Public Schools, Springfield MA

Summer Exploration 2020

St Michael’s Academy, Springfield MA

2020 Summer Work

Descubra su verano: ¡lea y gane premios!

¡Únase al Club de Lectura del Verano 2021 para niñxs, adolescentes y adultxs en la Biblioteca de Springfield!

Este verano, del 14 de junio al 14 de agosto del 2021, ¡únase a nuestro club de lectura Descubra Su Verano para leer y obtener recompensas, y participar en sorteos de premios!

¡Este año ofrecemos tanto el registro de lectura en papel, como la opción de jugar en línea usando Beanstack! Entre en https://springfieldlibrary.beanstack.org a partir del 14 de junio. ¡Vea estas instrucciones para Beanstack!

Niñas, niños, y niñxs de 0-5 años

¡Leerle a un(a) niñx todos los días le ayuda a convertirse en LECTOR(A)!
Coloreen un círculo por cada día que lean juntos.
Complete 30 días de lectura y la biblioteca le pedirá un libro de su elección – simplemente llene el formulario en la parte posterior de su registro y entréguelo en su biblioteca más cercana.

Niñxs, adolescentes y adultxs

¡Lea todos los días!
Lea al menos 20 minutos al día, luego coloree o seleccione un círculo.
Complete 30 días de lectura y la biblioteca le pedirá un libro de su elección – simplemente llene el formulario en la parte posterior de su registro y entréguelo en su biblioteca más cercana.

¿Qué cuenta como lectura?

Libros • Revistas • Novelas gráficas, cómics y manga • Audiolibros • Libros electrónicos • Artículos en línea • Manuales de videojuegos • Leer en familia • Asistir a la Hora de Cuentos • Leerles a sus mascotas y juguetes • ¡Y más!

¡Lea, escriba y gane!

Para niñes, adolescentes y adultos, escriba una reseña de cada libro que haya leído, envíela a un/a bibliotecario/a y gane un boleto para el sorteo por cada reseña escrita.
Entregue su registro y reseña(s) en persona, o hágalo digitalmente con Beanstack en https://springfieldlibrary.beanstack.org a partir del 14 de junio.
¡Los premios del sorteo incluyen una Nintendo Switch Lite con caja y juego!

¡Y hay más!

Visite la ubicación de su biblioteca más cercana para obtener una bolsa semanal de actividades para “Llevar y Hacer” para niñxs pequeñxs, niñxs y adolescentes. (Recoja usando el procedimiento de Recogida en la Acera.)