Reading 'Round the Plaza is a vibrant community literacy program designed for young readers ranging from toddlers through 5th grade, held exclusively during the summer months of July and August. Each Saturday, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, children gather at the plaza to explore stories, spark imagination, and cultivate a lifelong love of reading.

The program features a weekly guest reader—often a community leader or professional from various fields—who brings stories to life with engaging, interactive storytelling. The books used during the session are provided by the Wyandanch Plaza Association and Community Sponsors, offering a carefully curated selection typically aimed at PreK to 5th grade reading levels.

After the reading session, children participate in an interactive activity that reinforces the story’s themes and encourages active engagement. As a special takeaway, every child gets to bring home the book they enjoyed that day, fostering continued exploration and conversation at home.

Experience the magic of summer storytelling with Reading 'Round the Plaza—a unique opportunity for community, learning, and fun every Saturday during July and August.

Are you a children's author interested in having your book featured in Reading 'Round the Plaza? Or do you have a passion for storytelling and want to inspire young minds as a guest reader? We'd love to hear from you! Contact us today and join our mission to foster literacy and spark imaginations this summer.

Reading Round the Plaza 2025 was nothing short of inspiring!

Over seven dynamic weeks, nearly 60 young readers gathered at the Plaza to strengthen their literacy skills, spark their imaginations, and build confidence through books. This year’s program proudly featured three extraordinary children’s authors—Renee Winters, Stephanie Sage, and Roslyne Johnson—who captivated participants by reading their own published works and sharing the journeys behind their storytelling.

Reading Round the Plaza 2025 was about more than story time—it was about ownership, access, and opportunity. Each child took home at least two books per week, with more than 125 books distributed overall—helping families build personal home libraries and encouraging a culture of reading beyond the program.

The experience was further enriched by nine incredible guest readers, including NYS Assemblymember Kwani O’Pharrow, Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg, the Wyandanch Wheatley Heights Lions Club, Black Nurses Association of Suffolk County, Smart Start Suffolk, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. (Long Island Chapter), Flagstar Bank, and local business owner Lakeyma Thomas of Key Nailed It. Their presence went beyond reading a story—they engaged our youth in meaningful conversations about career pathways, leadership, entrepreneurship, public service, healthcare, and finance. Through their participation, children were able to see how literacy connects directly to future success.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our guest readers and sponsors for supporting this literacy initiative while intentionally creating space for career exploration. Because of you, our young readers not only strengthened their academic skills but also expanded their vision for what’s possible.

As we celebrate the powerful impact of 2025, the excitement is already building for Reading Round the Plaza 2026—with even more authors, more books, more community engagement, and greater opportunities to cultivate confident readers and future leaders. The next chapter is coming, and we cannot wait to turn the page together! 📚✨