Plant a seed and read through Patten Free Library summer program

[Patten Free Library](https://pattenfreelibrary.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) will kick off its Summer Reading 2026 program with a part from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, June 2. This event is full of free family fun, including a bounce house, free books and ice cream from Zellie’s. Registration for Summer Reading started this week, but also can also be done during the kickoff party. Summer Reading is the Library’s longest and most popular annual program, featuring events, performances, activities, and games throughout the summer. Last year, more than 500 community members participated. “This year’s Summer Reading theme, “Plant a Seed, Read,” couldn’t be more perfect for the active and engaged library-goers we have in our community,” said Mary Randall. “We hope to cultivate and grow our patrons’ love for literature, libraries and all they do for their communities. We can’t wait to play!” The library has scheduled events and performances for all ages throughout the summer, including a puzzle race, Repair Café, Dungeons & Dragons, cooking classes, and visits from Sparks Ark, Portland Stage, Rewild Maine and more. Regular Library programs — including story times, book groups, foreign language conversations, and the Knitting Circle — will continue throughout the summer. Readers of all ages can earn prizes through Summer Reading Bingo by attending Library programs, reading books, and completing activities. Participants can also earn prize tickets every time they read. “We have some really great prizes this year,” said Program and Outreach Manager Hannah Lackoff. “Players who complete reading tickets can enter to win gift cards to local businesses (including Skillin’s Greenhouses, Renys, and Now You’re Cooking), as well as Hearts of Pine Tickets, a chia pet, LEGO flower, art supplies, skincare sets, puzzles, games, and more.  In addition, everyone who completes blackout on their bingo sheet will be automatically entered into a drawing for a gift card to Springer’s Jewelers, Bull Moose, or Island Treasure Toys!” Summer Reading runs June 22 through August 15 and is open to anyone of any age who lives in the Patten Free Library service area, (Arrowsic, Bath, Georgetown, West Bath and Woolwich), has a Patten Free Library card, or attends an RSU1 school or a school located within the service area. For more information, including a complete schedule of events and details on how to sign up, visit [pattenfreelibrary.org/summer26/](https://pattenfreelibrary.org/summer26/). [](https://www.bowdoin.edu/?utm_source=TimesRecord&utm_medium=SupportingSponsorship) **The Times Record Sustaining Sponsor **We believe a community must be informed to thrive. [**bowdoin.edu**](https://www.bowdoin.edu/?utm_source=TimesRecord&utm_medium=SupportingSponsorship) Copy the Story Link Tagged: [patten free library](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/patten-free-library/), [Times Record](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/times-record/), [Times Record Community](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/times-record-community/)