Paper Mill to Offer Free Summer Children's Book Reading Series

Paper Mill Playhouse has announced a new, free Summer Children's Book Reading Series in the lobby of the Millburn theater on select Saturdays at noon in July and August. Each week the theater will present a different book (full schedule below). Paper Mill Playhouse teaching artist Ty Jacobs will conduct the free readings. Participation in this series may count towards summer reading requirements and library reading programs. The event is free to everyone of any age. For complete information visit www.PaperMill.org.

"Paper Mill Playhouse is thrilled to offer this free Summer Children's Book Reading Series," remarked Paper Mill Playhouse Managing Director Todd Schmidt. "Arts education is core to our mission. The development of literacy skills through early experiences with books and stories is critically linked to a child's success as a student. We want to encourage that development and create future theater lovers."

The Summer Children's Book Reading Series schedule includes:

Saturday, July 9 at 12pm- The Science of Bug Catching!
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Bugs by Catherine D. Hughes

Saturday, July 16 at 12pm - Dr. Seuss on the Loose!
Hop on Pop and ABC by Dr. Seuss

Saturday, July 23 at 12pm - Junie B. Jones Collections
Junie B. Jones Is a Beauty Shop Guy by Barbara Park

NO READING JULY 30th

Saturday, August 6 at 12pm - Fairy Tale Princesses
Cinderella and Other stories from The Blue Fairy Book by Andrew Lang

Saturday, August 13 at 12pm - The Lion, the Witch and the Lightning Thief
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (excerpt) by C.S. Lewis
The Lightning Thief (excerpt) by Rick Riordan

Saturday, August 20 at 12pm - The Henry & Mudge Plush Dog Show
Henry And Mudge: First Book by Cynthia Rylant

Saturday, August 27 at 12pm - Sharks On The Beach
Shark Bite! by Beatrice Costamagna

Paper Mill Playhouse teaching artist Ty Jacobs will be at the helm for each reading. Ty teaches the Teen Production Class for Paper Mill Playhouse Theatre School in addition to his work in the finance office and gift shop. Originally from Michigan where he studied dance and elementary education, Ty has been involved in theater for many years. Ty has directed children's shows across the country including Fantastic Mr. Fox, Stuart Little and The Secret Garden, among others. As an actor, he has appeared as the Beast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors and Captain von Trapp in The Sound Of Music.

Books and other merchandise will be available for purchase at the Paper Mill Playhouse Gift Shop, but no purchase is required to participate. Many area libraries encourage summer reading through online promotions and completion of activities can earn prizes at certain libraries. For more details about the program at Millburn Library visit https://millburnlibrary.beanstack.org. Check with your local library for more details.

Paper Mill Playhouse, a not-for-profit arts organization, is one of the country's leading regional theaters. Paper Mill Playhouse programs are made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Paper Mill Playhouse is a member of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, the Council of Stock Theatres, and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.