Summer Reading Program

We are thrilled to announce our 2025 Summer Reading Program theme: “Color Our World”! For 2025, we invite you to embark on a journey of art and creativity, celebrating the myriad ways in which art enriches our lives. Our program is designed to inspire and engage readers of all ages through a diverse array of artistic expressions. Summer Reading Program runs through the month of June.

Sign up beginning May 19!

Forms will be posted by 9:30am on the 19th.

Our Summer Reading Program is for ALL Ages.

Pick up Starter Packets starting on June 2nd. Inside your packet you will receive a Reading Log, Journal, Bookmark, and more.

CUBS: Ages 2-5
LIONS: Ages 6-12
TEENS
ADULTS

Starter Packets

Pick up your Starter Packet with Reading Logs, Creative Journal and other free items beginning June 2nd at our Front Desk. One per participant. Available while supplies last.

Reading Logs

Track your reading!

Each Reading Log contains 30 circles to check off “x marks the spot” as noted:

CUBS (ages 2-5): Each circle = 1 book or 10 minutes (Board Books included)
LIONS, TEENS & ADULTS: Each circle = 10 minutes

One Reading Log (30 circles) = 5 hours of reading!

What counts as reading?

Books (Read alone, together with others, read on a video (such as Youtube) or read at Storytime)
Audiobooks (Great for car rides!)
Graphic novels, comics and manga
Magazine articles and newspapers

Reading together? Time counts for the reader and each person listening!

Attending a Summer Storytime? Stories read count for EACH participant present, parents included!

Bring your COMPLETED Reading Log into the Cushing Public Library and turn it in at the front desk for special rewards which include:

1 Journal sticker
1 Library Dollar*
1 Entry into the drawing for your age group's Grand Prize.

Please note: Each sticker awarded will represent 1 Library Dollar to spend.

*Library Dollars will be awarded when entering the Prize Shop on June 28 & June 30. For Prize shop details, see below or use the table of contents.

LAST DAY to turn in Reading Logs is JUNE 27.

More Reading Logs will be available online & at the Cushing Public Library.

Important Dates

JUNE 2nd: First Day you can pick up your Starter Packet at the Cushing Public Library front desk after you register online.

JUNE 22nd: LAST DAY to sign up for Summer Reading Program online.

JUNE 25th: SWIM PARTY for each Summer Reading participant and their families. (Details to come)

JUNE 27th: LAST DAY to turn in Reading Logs!

JUNE 28th: Summer Reading Prize Shop, open from 10am to 12:30pm. For participants that turned in completed Reading Logs. Library Dollars will be awarded upon entering the Prize Shop. One shopping trip per participant.

JUNE 29th: LAST DAY to spend Library Dollars at our Summer Reading Prize Shop from 10am to noon and 4pm to 6:30pm. For participants that turned in completed Reading Logs. Library Dollars will be awarded upon entering the Prize Shop.

June Calendar

Printable Calendar

Google Calendar coming soon!

Community Reading Goal: Help Bob Ross Create an Art Gallery

Our 2025 Community Reading Goal is 100,000 minutes of reading!

Help Bob Ross create an art gallery of masterpieces in our Children's Room by turning in completed Reading Logs! As a community we hope to combine the reading efforts of all participants to reach 100,000 minutes of reading.

How it works:

Library staff will add up all of the minutes represented by turned-in logs and Bob Ross will travel around the room, leaving a masterpiece painting and famous quotes behind him, for every 10,000 minutes read.

How to help Bob Ross:

Sign up for our summer reading program online.
Read. (Includes: Reading alone. Reading together. Listening to audiobooks while you're traveling. Listening to someone reading a book on Youtube or at Storytime.)
Turn in reading logs and visit often to see Bob Ross' progress.

Activities this June

We have lots of fun activities planned for Summer Reading Program, including performances and presentations by Mad Science, Magician Joe Coover and Native American Will Hill!

Click on the age groups below for details about activities and links to any event specific forms.

Some activities require registration due to limited space, supplies or seating. Activity specific forms will be available by May 20.

ALL Ages

Be sure to check each age group for age-specific activities!

Magic Show with Joe Coover

Wednesday, June 4 at 5:30pm

ALL ages

Magic and color have a very special relationship. We explore both in this year’s show with lots of visual magic that will have your audience screaming with excitement. We teach color mixing, primary colors, and use LOTS of magic along the way.

Mad Science

Monday, June 9 at 5:30pm

ALL ages

Join us for a fantastic science exploration with Mad Science's: The Colors of Our World. Learn how we see colors. Witness a chemical reaction that helps turn clear liquid into all of the colors of the rainbow and more.

Crafternoon

Saturday, June 21, 10:00am-Noon

Come-&-Go

ALL ages

Assorted crafts to choose from!

Native American Presentation by Will Hill

Tuesday, June 24 at 5:30pm

ALL ages

Beautiful stories from Native America about the colors of the different animals. This is a 45 minute presentation filled with laughter, song and dance. You will be serenaded by the American Indian Buffalo hide drum, flute and turtle shell rattle.

Cushing Roatry Club Swim Party

Details coming soon!

Cubs

Be sure to check out the ALL Ages tab for more activities!

Toddler Music Time:

Monday, June 2 at 10:30am

For ages birth to 4 years. Slightly older siblings welcome.

Join us for a fun music time with special guest Miss Regina!

Summer Storytime:

Tuesday, June 3 at 10:30am

Ages 2-5

Fun stories, songs and activities.

Experience a World of Color (Cubs 5 years old)

Saturday, June 7, 10:00am-11:30am

Come-&-Go

Ages 5+

Experience A World of Color through games, crafts, science and more. Children ages 5 and older will enjoy this multifaceted experience as they Explore A World of COLOR.

LEGO Club (Cubs ages 4-5)

Tuesday, June 10, 5:00-6:30pm

Ages 4-16

Bring your imaginations and build with our LEGOs!

Summer Storytime:

Wednesday, June 11 at 10:30am

Ages 2-5

Fun stories, songs and activities.

Brandon Hise Memorial Bicycle Rodeo (Cubs ages 4-5)

Saturday, June 14, 9:30am-11:30am at Cushing City Hall

Ages 4-12

Learn bicycle safety skills in this fun obstacle course! Participants are also entered into the drawings to win new bicycles.

Lions

Be sure to check out the ALL Ages tab for more activities!

Experience a World of Color

Saturday, June 7, 10:00am-11:30am

Come-&-Go

Ages 5+

Experience A World of Color through games, crafts, science and more. Children ages 5 and older will enjoy this multifaceted experience as they Explore A World of COLOR.

LEGO Club

Tuesday, June 10, 5:00-6:30pm

Ages 4-16

Bring your imaginations and build with our LEGOs!

The Great Art Escape Room (Lions ages 8+) - Reservation required

Friday, June 13, 14 & 16, time slots available

Geared for participants ages 8+, teens and families.

Sign up for a time slot

You have unknowingly trespassed upon the secret Art Archives. The Board of Directors are furious! As punishment you have been locked in this Art Studio. Everything you see in this room has great value. If you do not escape in time, I fear you will become the next addition to this collection! Hunt for clues to make your Great Escape! You and your family and friends will enjoy this amazing adventure together. Time slots are available for sign up. You are given up to 45 minutes to Escape the Art Studio.

Brandon Hise Memorial Bicycle Rodeo - Registration required

Saturday, June 14, 9:30am-11:30am at Cushing City Hall

Ages 4-12

Learn bicycle safety skills in this fun obstacle course! Participants are also entered into the drawings to win new bicycles. Pre-register at the library (recommended) or at the rodeo.

Canvas Painting: Summer Flip Flops (Lions 12 years of age) - Reservation required

Thursday, June 26, 2:00-4:00pm

Ages 12-16

Limited spaces. Reservation required. Sign up online.

Create a fun summer themed painting! Supplies are provided.

Teens

Be sure to check out the ALL Ages tab for more activities!

Teen activities are for ages 13-17. Participants that are 18 and entering their senior year of high school may participate as a Teen OR adult (not both).

Hooks & Needles Fiber Arts Group

Wednesday, June 4, 5-6:30pm

Come-&-Go

Teens and Adults

Bring your portable knitting, crocheting or other fiber arts project and stitch with us!

Explore Manga Party - Reservation required

Thursday, June 5, 5:00-6:30pm

Teens (13+) and Adults

Limited spaces. Reservation required. Sign up online.

Join us for pizza, Pocky and manga related activities!

Experience a World of Color

Saturday, June 7, 10:00am-11:30am

Come-&-Go

Ages 5+

Experience A World of Color through games, crafts, science and more. Children ages 5 and older will enjoy this multifaceted experience as they Explore a world of COLOR.

LEGO Club

Tuesday, June 10, 5:00-6:30pm

Ages 4-16

Bring your imaginations and build with our LEGOs!

Teen Craft Day: Concho Keychain - Reservation required

Thursday, June 12, 5:00-6:30pm

Teens only

Limited spaces. Reservation required. Sign up online.

Assemble a custom keychain. Supplies provided.

The Great Art Escape Room - Reservation required

Friday, June 13, 14 & 16, time slots available

Geared for participants ages 8+, teens and families.

Sign up for a time slot

You have unknowingly trespassed upon the secret Art Archives. The Board of Directors are furious! As punishment you have been locked in this Art Studio. Everything you see in this room has great value. If you do not escape in time, I fear you will become the next addition to this collection! Hunt for clues to make your Great Escape! You and your family and friends will enjoy this amazing adventure together. Time slots are available for sign up. You are given up to 45 minutes to Escape the Art Studio.

Hooks & Needles Yarn Tasting Event - Reservation required

Wednesday, June 18, 5:30-6:30pm

Teens and Adults

Limited spaces. Reservation required. Sign up online.

Enjoy light refreshments while you sample an assortment of yarn. We will have a variety of fibers to explore and play with. Yarn weights will range from Fingering to Bulky. Each participant will receive samples of the showcased yarn. Please bring your own hooks and/or needles if you would like test out the samples while at the event.

Food Art: Candy Sushi - Reservation required

Monday, June 23, 5:00-6:30pm

Teens only

Limited spaces. Reservation required. Sign up online.

Create candy versions of your favorite sushi! Supplies provided.

Canvas Painting: Summer Flip Flops (Teens 13-16) - Reservation required

Thursday, June 26, 2:00-4:00pm

Ages 12-16

Limited spaces. Reservation required. Sign up online.

Create a fun summer themed painting! Supplies are provided.

Adults

Be sure to check out the ALL Ages tab for more activities!

Hooks & Needles Fiber Arts Group

Wednesday, June 4, 5-6:30pm

Come-&-Go

Teens and Adults

Bring your portable knitting, crocheting or other fiber arts project and stitch with us!

Explore Manga Party - Reservation required

Thursday, June 5, 5:00-6:30pm

Teens (13+) and Adults

Limited spaces. Reservation required. Sign up online.

Join us for pizza, Pocky and manga related activities!

The Great Art Escape Room - Reservation required

Friday, June 13, 14 & 16, time slots available

Geared for participants ages 8+, teens and families.

Sign up for a time slot

You have unknowingly trespassed upon the secret Art Archives. The Board of Directors are furious! As punishment you have been locked in this Art Studio. Everything you see in this room has great value. If you do not escape in time, I fear you will become the next addition to this collection! Hunt for clues to make your Great Escape! You and your family and friends will enjoy this amazing adventure together. Time slots are available for sign up. You are given up to 45 minutes to Escape the Art Studio.

Color & Coffee Stress Reliever

Tuesday, June 17, 4:00-6:30pm

Come-&-Go

Ages 18+

Take a break and enjoy coffee, conversation and adult coloring.

Hooks & Needles Yarn Tasting Event - Reservation required

Wednesday, June 18, 5:30-6:30pm

Teens and Adults

Limited spaces. Reservation required. Sign up online.

Enjoy light refreshments while you sample an assortment of yarn. We will have a variety of fibers to explore and play with. Yarn weights will range from Fingering to Bulky. Each participant will receive samples of the showcased yarn. Please bring your own hooks and/or needles if you would like test out the samples while at the event.

Swim Party

The Cushing Rotary Club will be hosting a Summer Reading Swim Party for participants and their families.

FREE Swim Party tickets required. More details coming soon.

Summer Reading Prize Shop

Spend your Library Dollars!

Participants who have earned Library Dollars can use them at our Prize Shop on June 28 or June 30.

One shopping trip per participant.

The Prize Shop will be open AFTER the Summer Reading Program has ended.

An assortment of prizes will be available for all four age groups.

Prices will vary from 1 Library Dollar (5 hours of reading) to 5 Library Dollars (25 hours of reading).

In June, check out the display at the library for a sneak peek at what you can buy at the Prize Shop. Parents and caregivers will be responsible for helping their children select age appropriate prizes. Some prizes may have restrictions, such as limit one per participant or for Teens and Adults only.

Participants will receive their Library Dollars when they enter the Prize Shop. Library Dollars must be spent during the visit in which they are awarded. Participants will not be able to shop at the Prize Shop over multiple days.

Items are limited to what is in stock at the time a participant visits the shop. The library cannot guarantee any prize item's availability and will not reserve prizes or take rain-checks.

Color Our World Writing Contest, for ages 8-12

Katherine Applegate, the CSLP 2025 Summer Reading Champion, is holding a Color Our World Writing Contest!

Parents or guardians of young storytellers and creative writers, ages 8-12, are invited to enter Katherine Applegate's Color Our World Writing Contest. The contest runs from June 1st - July 31st, 2025.

Katherine Applegate is a Newbery Medalist and New York Times-bestselling author. Some of her works include, Crenshaw, Willowdeen, Odder and wishtree.

WRITING PROMPT

Your writing can change and color our world! Write a short story between 1,000 – 1,500 words about a character that takes an action that changes someone else’s day for the better. The action can be as small or grand as you’d like — even small acts can make a big difference!

Your story must have a catchy title, a protagonist that takes an action to make a change, and a beginning, middle, and end.

The contest will be judged by the Collaborative Summer Library Program, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and Katherine Applegate.

The grand prize winner will receive:

a virtual writing workshop with Katherine Applegate
signed copies of Willodeen, Crenshaw, Odder, and wishtree
$500 of books for readers ages 8-12 from Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.

Three runner-ups will receive:

signed copies of Willodeen, Crenshaw, Odder, and wishtree.

ABBREVIATED RULES
No purchase necessary. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C. who are age 18 or older and of the legal age of majority. Entry period begins at 9:00 AM (ET) on 6/1/2025 and ends at 11:59 PM ET on 7/31/2025. Void where prohibited. For full Official Rules, visit the following link. Sponsored by Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.

Sponsors & Partners

Institute of Museum and Library Services

Oklahoma Department of Libraries

Friends of the Cushing Public Library, Inc.

Cushing Rotary Club

Boom-a-rang Diner

Summer Reading Program

Summer Reading is For All Ages!