“One benefit of summer was that each day we had more light to read by.” — Jeannette Walls, “The Glass Castle”
Summer has finally arrived. Readers are invited to dig into the past through books, activities, and programs that help us better understand the world. Children can participate in the Summer Reading Program to earn rewards for reading throughout the summer. From Saturday morning family programs to the Thursday evening adult series, there’s something for everyone to uncover, explore, and enjoy.
Each Saturday morning from 10:30-11:30 a.m. July 11 - Aug. 1 will feature a family-friendly program with dinosaurs, fossils and more. REPCO Wildlife Encounters will be here July 11 with live animals and real fossils. On July 18 young artists can participate in a Dino Paint Party and create and take home their own dinosaur canvas. Award-winning story-teller Diane Edgecomb will be at the library July 25 with her Digging Dinosaurs presentation - a mix of science and storytelling. On Aug. 1 Steve Tomecek aka “The Dirtmiester” will chat about The Great Dinosaur Detectives and show us prehistoric finds.
The Summer Reading Program finale will be Friday, Aug. 7, 6:30-9 p.m. with a Summer Reading Celebration: Dinosaurs on the Lawn. Enjoy dino-themed crafts, games, snacks, friendly dinosaur encounters with “real” dinos and an outdoor showing of Ice Age at dark. We’ll welcome author Tracey West and the Dragon Wagon Book Bus - every child can choose a free, brand-new book. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and join us for this free family event. Rain date: Saturday, Aug. 8.
For adults we’ve keep the Unearth a Story theme with programs Thursday evenings in July from 6-7:15 p.m. On July 2, Brian Lee, Digital Services Librarian with the 4CLS, will lead Unearth a Story: Digging into Your Family Tree as he gives an introduction to genealogy research. Join archaeologist David Moyer July 9 for Unearth a Story: Discovery the Past Through Archaeology. He will talk about recent investigations at the Revolutionary War site of Fort Plain. Discover hidden history of upstate New York July 16 for Unearth a Story: Buried Treasure of Upstate New York when Dr. Samantha Misa shares fascinating stories from her book “Buried Treasures of Upstate New York.” Patrons can actively participate in Unearth a Story: The Stories We Keep - July 23 when adults are invited to bring a keepsake, photo, or heirloom for a show-and-tell where you can share the story behind your object, or simply listen. Lastly, on July 30, Unearth a Story: Hidden Clues & Trivia Night. Gather your team of up to four or come alone and test your knowledge of a variety of topics including local history.
We hope you find plenty of ways to explore, discover, have fun, and make great memories at the library this summer. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Library Events
The library will be closed Saturday, July 4 in observance of the Fourth of July.
To earn incentives for the summer reading program “Unearth a Story” through Friday, Aug. 7, stop at the library soon - register, get your badge & lanyard, earn stamps at front desk, record books read each week, attend a program, check out library books, complete a drop-in craft, collect pins - three stamps = one pin, three pins = one grand prize entry. Grand prize drawing will be done at the summer reading celebration.
Drop-In Crafts, Tuesdays-Saturday, during operating hours; a new, self-service craft will be featured each week for kids and their caregivers. July 7-11, Dino Eye; July 14-18, What’s Your Story? Collage; July 21-25, Dino Painting & Silhouettes; July 28-Aug. 1: Make Your Own Dinosaur; Aug. 4-8, Dino Builds.
Knit & Crochet Group - Tuesdays, 3-4:45 p.m. on the main floor. Yarn crafts and conversation. Bring the project you are working on and enjoy friendly conversation as you knit or crochet.
Mahjong - Thursdays, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. for everyone who loves mahjong or wants to learn. All skill levels welcome.
Preschool Storytime - Fridays, July 3-Aug. 7, 10:30 a.m., lower level. Songs, rhymes, stories, and crafts for your littles! After a brief August hiatus storytime will resume Friday, Sept. 11.
Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) Mobile Office Hours: Thursdays, July 2 and 16, 1-3 p.m. Members of Congressman Josh Riley’s team will be at the library for mobile office hours - your chance for one-on-one help from congressional staff with Medicare, Social Security, veterans’ benefits, passport delays, or any issue involving a federal agency. No question is too small; no appointment needed.
