We’ve hit our midway point for Summer Reading and programming in Youth Services. It seems like only yesterday we were out in the schools promoting the programs, now here we are over one month later with more than 1,200 preschoolers, children and teens enrolled in our summer reading clubs! Nothing short of amazing if you ask me!
If you’ve been in the library, you’ll remember we had some amazing programs thus far; Hunters of the Night Sky, Field Station Dinosaur and our Gargoyle Tour of Princeton University. We’re not through yet … just you wait and see.
The second half of the summer has more good things in store for everyone. On July 24, our library becomes the “Jedi Knight Academy.” Is your child a “Star Wars” fan? Well, now is their chance to “train” to be a Jedi. At 3 p.m., young Padawans will meet in our Community Room and begin their instruction with Jedi Master David Engel. On July 26, we will hold a special story time at 11 a.m. to celebrate the birthday of Beatrix Potter. Come and listen to a few tales about her beloved characters. That evening we’ll be hosting our annual Stuffed Animal Sleepover. Children will come for a story time at 7 with their special “friends” and when story time is over, the animals stay behind and have some fun when the library closes.
Things don’t slow in August. Bill Bosenberg returns, this time with nocturnal animals. We’ll learn all about these creatures that hunt, navigate and survive the night. Musician Yosi is back, too, with a day time Pajama Party Concert for children. Don’t forget our popular Geo-Bee, Chess for Beginners and a story time devoted to Joanna Cole of Magic School Bus fame.
On Friday, Aug. 17, we will begin to end our Summer Reading Clubs with a Family Dance Party. Light refreshments and music will be provided by area rock band Pi Fight. Our Summer Reading Clubs end on Sunday, Aug. 19, when the library closes. There is still plenty of time to reach your reading goals and collect all of your rewards.