Public school is almost out for summer. But Children’s Librarian Kim Ivers is already working to keep kids from singing, “No more pencils, no more books”!
The Summer Reading program launches today. And Ivers is challenging town kids to read more books than last year’s all time high – 7,029 books.
To pump the readers up, the library is playing on kids’ love of sports. The summer theme is “Ready, Set, Read”. In keeping with it, the library will be offering kids Olympic passports to track their accomplishements (earning badges for up to 8 tasks per week.) And special extra writing tasks can earn them medals.
Readers will also be encouraged to explore different genres to earn the eight different Olympic rings and get their names on the posted Olympic Readers list.
Further encouraging writing and drawing are the library’s popular 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.
Bruins fans will enjoy earning the team’s donated certificates by keeping reading logs and turning them in at the end of the summer. Plus, the free raffle for program participants will award Bruins posters to some lucky fans.
And even those who aren’t into sports will get a kick out of “One Silly Thing”. Each week, the library staff will make a goofy change in the library for kids to spot.
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/programs
- Storyteller – Tuesday, June 28 (11:00 am): Storyteller Diane Edgecomb and “Game Time.”
- Two of a Kind – Wednesday, July 6 (3:00 pm): Have a musical good time with “Movin’ & Groovin’ at the Library”
- ScienceTellers – Tuesday, July 26 (11:00 am): Combines science and storytelling to teach children about power and energy
- Animals! – Tuesday, August 2 (3:00 pm): Animal World Experience and “Locomotion Commotion”
- Truck Day – Tuesday, August 9 (10:30 am): Check out some cool trucks provided by Southborough’s Police, Fire, and DPW Departments!
- Mime: Thursday, August 18 (3:00 pm): Comic mime Rob Rivest & “Read, Move, Laugh, and Play.”
Drop-in programs
The following programs through the summer allow kids to drop-in anytime during specified hours to enjoy special activities:
- Legos at the Library – Tuesday, July 5, Thursday, July 28, and Tuesday, August 16 (10:30 am – 5:00 pm)
- Drop-in Craft – Tuesday, July 12 and Thursday, August 4 (10:30 am – 5:00 pm)
- Games & Puzzles Day – Thursday, August 11 (10:30 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 29
- Thursday, July 7
- Thursday, July 14
- Wednesday, July 20
- Wednesday, July 27
- Wednesday, August 3
- Wednesday, August 10
- Wednesday, August 17
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, June 30th, with the procession beginning at 11:00 am.
