The library is holding a series of 24 free story hours for kids this summer.
Story time is 10:30 a.m. every Monday through Thursday from July 7 to August 14, with one exception. There are two readings on July 8 (the second at 1 p.m.) and none on July 9.
According to Library Director Tiffany McGregor, the stories are most appropriate for children between the ages of three and eight, but “the story times are open to anyone who wants to attend.”
Members of the library staff and a few special guests will read the stories. Youngsters will also have the opportunity to create a small craft item that the library will use in a large display in 2026. For those a little older, there will be puzzles and games.
The 24 featured books in the summer series are those that have won the university’s Bock Book Award for Children’s Literature since Neumann launched the book prize in 2000. Criteria for the award include text that is values-oriented, interesting and stimulating for children 3-8 years old. Both the text and illustrations must promote moral attitudes and actions.
The award is named in honor of Frances and Wesley Bock, co-owners of a store in Philadelphia that provided equipment, clothing, and supplies to religious institutions. Because of a long business relationship with the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, who founded the university in 1965, they grew to know the congregation well and began making contributions to the order.
When the Bocks passed away, their estate went to their nephew, William Gagliardi, who was then a Neumann University staff member. In consultation with the university library, Gagliardi established the Bock Book Award for Children’s Literature in their memory.
The summer story hours are meant to celebrate the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Bock Book Award and Neumann University’s 60th birthday, which occurred in March. To mark six decades of higher education, the university has pledged to provide 60,000 hours of community service by the end of March 2026. The summer story time program is part of that commitment.
To see the complete list of all 24 books in the summer program and to register for one or more of the story hours, visit www.neumann.edu/24books.