CLAREMONT — The warm weather is finally here and Fiske Free Library is gearing up for its yearly Summer Reading Program.
“We are already hearing about the dreaded summer slump-the slide, not into home base, although there are plenty of chances for that! No, the slide in this case is the back sliding of reading skills which educators warn of every summer. Two months is a long time to go without practicing reading and math skills,” organizers said.
One way to avoid losing ground over the summer is to take advantage of the programs offered at a local library. The Fiske Free Library has many great, free programs to offer this summer.
On Monday, June 11, Summer Reading Program sign-ups begin. Drop into the library anytime from the 11th onward to pick up a calendar of summer programs and sign up. On Thursday, June 14, the library will offer a Father’s Day craft program. Local author Maggie Kemp will be at the library at 3 p.m. June 20 to read from her new book “Sam, Fisherwoman: The Reel Story,” she will have copies of the book for sale as well.
New Hampshire Grammy nominee Judy Pancoast will invite children into “Judy’s Tune Room” to enjoy a concert of everything from pop and rock (“A Little Bit of Elvis”) to country (“The Only Bug at the Rodeo”) and jazz (“The Dog Did It”). She will also share her songwriting secrets, and will help the children turn one of their own ideas into a song.
On Monday, July 9, “The Magic of Jason Purdy” will kick off at 3 p.m. and on Monday, June 16at 6 p.m., join library staff for “Messy Art Night” — all supplies will be provided. Once again the library will host perennial favorites Steve Blunt and Marty Kelley, who will feature their show “Let’s Rock ‘N’ Roll & Read.”
Performer Aaron Jones will present a program and workshop featuring “Recycled Rock”— make instruments using recycled materials on Monday, July 23. On Wednesday, July 25, Children’s Room assistant Alaina Granter will present a program of “Makey Makey Music” — create and play piano and guitar with Makey Makey technology. Closing out the month of July, all are welcome for a program with Mike and Beverly Rogers who will give instruction on the harmonica; participants can take a free harmonica home.
Christine Porter of Windsor will be at the library on Aug. 2to offer tips and tricks with the yo-yo. All welcome to come to the program and learn how to work a yo-yo, and take one home.
Again, this year the library was lucky enough to receive the CLif Grant, which means free books. all are welcome to come to the program and hear a story from the presenter. Every child in attendance will get to pick out 2 free books. Finally, closing out August will be an end of Summer Reading Program party, with snacks, karaoke, prize drawings and Bingo for Books.
Throughout the summer, story time will continue at 11 a.m. on Mondays which will change to 11:15 for the months of July and August because of the Opera House children’s programs. Also, ongoing throughout the summer will be Wacky Wednesdays, which will consist of craft programs presented by the library staff. The programs will include rock painting, Lego challenges, sponge crafts and more.
A calendar of events is available at the library.
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