Northampton Area Public Library has received a $1,000 grant from PPL Foundation. The funds will be used to support the summer reading program for children and teens.

Through this grant, the library is able to supplement the summer reading program with supplies for activities and also prizes for the summer reading challenge.

PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process.

“PPL is committed to improving the communities where our customers and employees live and work,” said Ryan Hill, president of PPL Foundation. “Organizations like Northampton Area Public Library improve the quality of life in our region, and we are pleased to be able to provide support for an important initiative.”

The summer reading program is underway at the library.

There is still space available in the toddler storytime (age 2), 11-11:20 a.m. Tuesdays and 10-10:20 a.m. Wednesdays.

There also is space in the toddler/preschool family storytime, 6:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays.

There is space available in the teen program as well. Special events include Life Hacks, 2 p.m. July 18, and cord bracelet making, 2 p.m. July 26.

During the adult summer reading program, a book discussion on “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot will be held 6:30 p.m. Aug. 3. Upon signing up for the discussion, you will receive a copy of the book, which needs to be returned to the library by the night of the book discussion.

For more information on these and additional teen programs, contact the library at 610-262-7537.

Also at the library, a book sale will take place July 27 and 28; the bag book sale will be July 30.

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Northampton Area Food Bank will be holding its annual Christmas in July food drive at Redner’s Warehouse Market, Held Drive, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 16 and 17.

Food bank donations decrease in the summer months with schools being closed, clubs not meeting and families on vacations. However, usage does not decrease, and the food bank is in need of donations.

Volunteers will have lists of needed foods available at the doors to the market.

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The Joe Sommer Memorial Benefit will be held noon-8 p.m. July 24, rain or shine, at Tri-Boro Sportsmen Club, 21st and Canal streets.

Sommer was killed May 25. A 1985 graduate of Northampton High School, he continued his Konkrete Kids pride as a wrestling coach and mentor to many children.

The event is being organized by Lehigh Valley Community Benefit, of which Sommer was a part since the group’s start in 2010.

There is a fee to attend the benefit. Children 12 and under will be admitted at no cost.

A nonstop, escorted motorcycle ride, hosted by Pocono Harley Davidson, will kick off the event.

Highlights of the day include live entertainment by Social Call and Trick Stacy, face painting by Dazzling Doodles, a photo booth by Say Cheese and a performance by Huffy the Clown.

Proceeds from the event will be used as a wrestling scholarship in Sommers’ name as well as toward various Lehigh Valley charities.

For more information, visit facebook.com/lehighvalleycommunitybenefit.

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