Another lively summer reading season is coming to a close at Northampton Area Public Library, but the activity is far from over. As the library celebrates a summer filled with reading, programs, prizes and community participation, preparations are already underway for the annual online auction and basket raffle — one of NAPL’s most important fundraisers of the year.

This summer, 85 children, teens and adults participated in NAPL’s summer reading program. Together, participants read 1,075 days while attending library programs, exploring new interests and building reading into their summer routines.

The library congratulates this year’s prize winners, including 59 children, teens and adults. NAPL also extends its sincere appreciation to the PPL Foundation, whose generous support helped make the program’s incentives, activities and special events possible.

Summer reading is about more than keeping track of books, minutes or days. It brings residents of all ages together, encourages children and teens to maintain their reading skills outside the classroom and reminds adults that reading can remain a source of discovery, relaxation and connection throughout life.

The enthusiasm shown by participants and families once again demonstrated how strongly the greater Northampton community values its library.

Here are a few dates to remember as summer reading concludes. The last day to log your reading and turn in your reading log for NAPL$ is Aug. 8, and Aug. 22 is the last day to turn in your NAPL$ for well-earned prizes.

With summer’s end, NAPL is turning its attention toward basket social season. The library is now accepting donations for its annual autumn online auction and basket raffle. Local businesses, organizations, families and individuals are invited to contribute themed baskets, merchandise, gift certificates, experiences or monetary donations to create raffle packages.

The online auction will open Sept. 27 and continue through Oct. 3, giving supporters an opportunity to bid from home on a variety of donated items and experiences.

The season will culminate in the in-person basket raffle 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at Northampton Banquet and Event Center, 1601 Laubach Ave.

Proceeds from the online auction and basket raffle directly support library collections, programs, technology, outreach and other services available to residents throughout the Northampton Area School District. This year’s fundraiser carries particular importance as NAPL responds to a $180,000 reduction in annual funding.

While a single fundraiser cannot replace that entire loss, every donated item, auction bid, raffle ticket and sponsorship helps protect the services the community relies upon. Strong community participation also demonstrates residents value a responsive, accessible library where people can connect, discover and grow.

Donations will be accepted through Oct. 3. Those interested in contributing, volunteering or learning more may visit northamptonapl.org, call 610-262-7537 or email info@northamptonapl.org.

Summer reading may be ending, but a new season of community participation is just beginning. NAPL invites everyone to celebrate a successful summer and then help fill the baskets that will support the library throughout the year.