Below you’ll find some of our special summer events, please note the dates when registrations open for each of them. There is also instructions for how to track your reading, as well as (SOON!) the Methuen Public School reading lists for Grades 1 through 6.
And, readers in grades K-6 that log 5 or more books on either READSquared or paper passports can also participate in the 2025 Topsfield Fair “Read & Win” Program. Also don’t forget that we have more than just big programs this summer, we also have dozens of arts & crafts, animal, science, and storytime programs during the summer too. See our monthly calendar for those.
Rockabye Beats – July 9 at 10 am (Ages infant-6) – Waitlist
Registration opens 6/15 – Young kids love this immersive music experience where they can sing, dance, play instruments, and learn a little Spanish. Music educator and performer Jarred offers a fun mix of Latin pop, rock, oldies, reggae, and goofiness!
One Up Games: Video Games – July 11 at 1 pm (Ages 8+) – Waitlist
Registration opens 6/15 – Join us for our video game free-play event, hosted by Massachusetts eSport and gaming venue, One Up Games! Explore virtual worlds with the Oculus Quest, or play the latest titles on Xbox Series S, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch! Please note: This event is for people ages 8 and older.
One Up Games: Mini-Golf – July 11 from 1pm-4pm (Ages 8+)
Registration opens 6/15 – Join us for our 9 hole mini-golf event, hosted by Massachusetts eSport and gaming venue, One Up Games! Please note: This event is for people ages 8 and older. And we ask that you please only sign up for one mini-golf session, linked below.
A Visit with Blades! – July 16 at 11am (All ages) – Waitlist
Registration opens 6/15 – The Boston Bruins have teamed up with libraries across the Commonwealth to encourage kids and teens to keep reading over the summer, and Nevins Library is one of just 12 public libraries selected to receive a special summer reading visit from Bruins mascot Blades! Blades will join us for a story, some game-day fun, and crafts – participants can design and make their own Bruins fan button, take pictures at the ice rink photo station, and more. A special library poster featuring Bruins player Jeremey Swayman will also be available. This program is sponsored by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Massachusetts Library System and the Boston Bruins.
Pop Up Art School: Dungeons & Dragons Painting – July 15 at 4pm (Ages 12-18)
Registration opens 6/15 – Paint a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired scene with majestic mountains, vibrant landscapes, and a soaring dragon, all set within the geometric shape of a D20 dice. Learn acrylic painting techniques and take home a masterpiece worthy of your next campaign! Please note, this program is for people ages 12-18.
Star Wars Padawan Lightsaber Training – July 22 at 11:30am (Ages 6-10)
Registration opens 6/15 – The Saber Guild Padawan Training is geared towards children between the ages of 6 and 10 who are ready to start their Jedi training. Each trainee will be shown the basics of using the Force, and how to handle a lightsaber from a true Jedi Master.
Star Wars Character Meet & Greet – July 22 at 1pm (All ages)
No Registration Required – Come meet some of your favorite Star Wars characters and take pictures with a Jedi Master!
Jungle Jim: Balloons, Books & Magic – July 23 at 10 am (Ages 6 & up)
Registration opens 6/15 – Jungle Jim is back, and he’ll lead kids through a high-energy, interactive mix of magic, storytelling, and mind-blowing balloon artistry! This program is funded by the Methuen Cultural Council (a local agency which is supported by the Mass. Cultural Council).
Science Heroes – July 29 at 9:30am (Ages 2-5) & Science Heroes – July 29 at 10:15 am (Ages 6-12)
Registration opens 6/15 – Join Science Heroes on their mission to turn science into an adventure! Through hands-on experiments and fun, interactive stories, we’ll celebrate the scientists who color our world with art! We ask that you only register for on Science Heroes program, that best fits your child(ren’s) ages.
Track Your Reading:
Want to start logging your reading progress? There are two ways to do it:
How It Works on ReadSquared (online tracking)
1) Register as a participant in the Nevins Library Summer Programs and track your reading progress at https://nevinslibrary.readsquared.com.
2) Complete activities and keep track of your reading (you’ll receive 1 stamp for every 140 mins read).
3) Once you’ve completed activities, head to the Youth Services Department at the Nevins Library to enter into the end-of-summer raffle (1 ticket per every 7 stamps).
How It Works with the Game Board (paper tracking)
Earn 1 stamp on your “game board” by reading/listening for 20 minutes (1 stamp for every 20 minutes).
Every seventh stamp allows you one entry into the end-of-summer prize drawing. Prizes are grouped by age this year and are available to view behind the Youth Services Desk. If you fill up your first board, you can pick up another one at the Youth Services Desk.
Week 1 (6/16-6/21) – Stop by the library to pick up your summer bag and game board. Starting tracking your reading!
Weeks 2–9 (6/23-8/15) – 1 stamp per 20 minutes read/listened to and 1 raffle ticket after 7th stamp. Raffle entries close on 8/15. You can collect stamps until the first day of school! PLUS 1 new take-home game each week!
Methuen Public Schools Summer Reading Program
Many of these books can be also found in our eBook/eAudiobook collection via Libby (as well as on our shelves). Stop by the Youth Services’ or Reference Desks for more information on how to get started with Libby if you haven’t used it before!
Program sponsors include the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, Boston Bruins, The Nevins Library, Friends of the Nevins Library, The Methuen Cultural Council (a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency) and the MSPCA at Nevins Farm.
Special thanks to Altitude Trampoline Park (Pelham, NH), Basketball Hall of Fame, Boston Bruins, Chuck E. Cheese (Methuen), Methuen Recreation Department, STEMSpot, Texas Roadhouse (Methuen), Topsfield Fair, and You’re Fired for their generous support of our summer program giveaways.
