Summer Reading Program
We are excited to announce that we will be running a Summer Reading Club trip to the Toronto Zoo on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Transportation:
- Bus loading begins at 8:00 AM
- The bus will depart shortly after loading is complete
- Departure from the Toronto Zoo will be 5:00 PM
Weather:
- This event will proceed rain or shine
What the Library Provides:
- Zoo admission
- Transportation to and from the Toronto Zoo
- A Library bucket hat for participants
What Participants Must Provide:
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Any additional personal items needed for the day
Please note **food and beverages will not be provided by the Library.**
To ensure appropriate supervision, we will be maintaining a maximum ratio of: 1 parent/guardian to 2 children. Groups exceeding this ratio will not be eligible for registration.
Registration Process
Due to limited space and to ensure a fair registration process, registration will be conducted in person only at the Library. Online registration will not be available. A waitlist will be maintained once available spaces have been filled.
Registration Requirements
To be eligible for the trip:
- At least one member of the family group (parent or child) must have a Library card.
- Participants must be registered for four Summer Reading Club programs.
- The registration form includes all seven weeks of programming. While registrations will be cross-referenced, staff should still ask which weeks participants are planning to attend and record that information accurately.
Registration Fees: A fee of $10 per registrant will be collected at the time of registration.
Examples:
- 1 parent + 1 child = $20
- 1 parent + 2 children = $30
Important notes:
- Registration must be accompanied by payment.
- Cash only.
- Spaces cannot be held without payment. payment.
Summer Reading 2026
Welcome and dive into a summer of discovery with our TD Summer Reading Program! Readers will explore the depths of the sea through books, stories, and hands-on activities inspired by marine life and underwater exploration and best of all, this program is easy for everyone to use!
There are two separate registration options, each designed for a different way to participate. The TD Summer Reading Program is for kids of all ages, all interests, and all abilities! Even if you are going away on vacation for a week (or two!) this summer, our flexible programming can be a part of everyone’s summer fun!
- Online Reading Log at ReadSquared
Participants can sign up on the ReadSquared app to track their reading throughout the summer. Every minute spent reading brings you closer to exciting prizes!
- Log your reading time from anywhere
- Earn rewards based on total minutes read.
- Explore ocean-themed books featuring sea creatures, coral reefs, submarines, and underwater adventures
- Great for independent, at-home participation all summer long
There’s no one way to read. Your parents can read to you, you can read to your parents, you can read by yourself, you can listen to a book on a trip. There’s no wrong way to spend time with a good book! Check out our starter book lists: Dive Into Reading
Track your reading and finish logging your minutes for prizes on Monday August 31. Prizes must be picked up at the library by Friday September 11.
2. In-Person Programs
Registration is required through our online calendar for weekly in-library programs, which includes a STEM program and an ocean-themed program with crafts, games and activities at both the Elmvale and Midhurst branches. Programs will be offered in the morning and in the early evening.
Each week features a new ocean-inspired adventure:
- Week one: Shark Attack!
- Week two: Narwhal and Jelly Fish
- Week three: Dive In Escape Room!
- Week four: ‘Turtle’-e-awesome!
- Week five: ‘Duck’, Duck, Goose
- Week six: ‘Whale’ of a good time
- Week seven: You’re ‘otter’ly amazing!
These programs bring the ocean to life through experiments, crafts, games, and discovery-based learning.
Together, both the ReadSquared tracking and in-person programming create a full summer voyage. Whether you’re charting stories from your favorite reading spot or diving into STEM experiments at the library, there’s an underwater adventure waiting for everyone!
Our summer reading program would not be possible without the help of the TD Summer Reading Club, The Vespra Lions Club, Friedman Estate Litigation, Midhurst Pharma Save, the Elmvale Lions Club, Wendys, and Linda’s Ice Cream Hut. Thank you so much for your support!!!
The TD Summer Reading Program is co-created and delivered by 2,000 public libraries across Canada, development of this national, bilingual program is led by Toronto Public Librar in partnership with Library and Archives Canada. Sponsorship is generously provided by TD Bank Group.
