Above: The summer reading program focuses on heroes this year with artwork by author Jarrett Krosoczka, who visited both Neary and Woodward students this spring.
Public school is out for summer this afternoon. But Children’s Librarian Kim Ivers has been working to keep kids from singing, “No more pencils, no more books”!
Last year, Ivers challenged town kids to read more than 5,000 books for the summer reading program. It was a milestone that hadn’t been passed for years. The kids saw met her challenge and then some.
This year, to break last year’s record, kids are encouraged to read more than 6,276 books.
Every year, Ivers and staff surprise the kids with something new in keeping with the summer reading theme. This year’s theme is hero’s real and fantastical: “Every Hero Has a Story”. Kids can “become” heroes by smiling through the cutout photo stand. (Click thumnbail to enlarge).
There will also be the usual scavenger and fact hunts with weekly drawings to encourage learning, exploring the room, and returning throughout the summer.
Encouraging writing and drawing are the library’s summer reading ducks. While in supply, kids can borrow one to bring home or along on their travels. Borrowers are then encouraged to write and draw about the fun they had.
The hero theme will be touched on by the special entertainers who visit throughout the summer. Drop-in programs and storytimes will also keep kids coming back for more.
Details on the programs scheduled for the summer are below. No registration is necessary.
Special entertainers
- Mike the Bubble Man (2:30 pm): Thursday, June 25 (2:30 pm): Children will be amazed with a science and magic show all about bubbles of all shapes and sizes. A love for bubbles is never outgrown-especially when there’s a chance to see the world from inside of one!
- Animal Invaders – Sharing Spaces – Wednesday, July 8 (2:30 pm): Children will learn how to best coexist with the animals we share the planet with, as well as the benefits and risks of living close to certain types of them. Up to three live “animal invaders” will be brought for observation. This program is for children ages 5 and up.Presented by the Boston Museum of Science.
- Super Hero Training – Thursday, July 16, 2015 (2:30 pm): Jungle Jim returns to the library for some Super Hero Training fun! Join us for magic, balloons, and plenty of laughter!
- Puppet Show – Wednesday, July 22, 2015 (2:30 – 3:30 pm): Sparky’s Puppets presents Tales of Sea and Shore. Imagine…a pirate and a parrot discover a treasure chest full of seaside stories!
- Big Joe the Storyteller – Thursday, July 30, 2015 (3:00 pm): Big Joe returns to the library with Stories for Little Heroes.
- Comic Mime – Wednesday, August 12, 2015 (2:00 pm): We’re wrapping up Summer Reading with comic mime Robert Rivest and Every Hero has a Story.
Drop-in programs
The following programs through the summer allow kids to drop-in anytime during specified hours to enjoy special activities:
- Games & Puzzles – Tuesday, June 30, 2015 and Tuesday, July 21, 2015 (10:30 am – 5:00 pm)
- Drop In Craft – Tuesday, July 7, 2015 and Thursday, August 6, 2015 (10:00 am – 5:00 pm)
- Legos at the Library – Tuesday, July 14, 2015 and Tuesday, August 11, 2015 (10:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Pajama Storytimes
The popular story times are back beginning this week. These take place outside on the library lawn, so bring a blanket. (In inclement weather, these will be held in the Children’s Room.)
They take place 7:00 pm on the following evenings:
- Wednesday, June 24
- Wednesday, July 1
- Thursday, July 9
- Wednesday, July 15
- Thursday, July 23
- Wednesday, July 29
- Wednesday, August 5
- Wednesday, August 12
The annual kids’ 4th of July parade
An annual tradition, the only Independence Day parade in town takes place prior to the holiday. children and their parents or caregivers are invited to march in the parade from the Library to the Town House. Flags, noisemakers and hats will be lent to the children. Refreshments are served after in celebration.
This year it takes place on Thursday, July 2, 2015, with the procession beginning at 11:00 am.
