Six weeks of summer activities are underway at the Jaffrey Public Library.
In honor of the 2016 Summer Olympics, this year’s summer reading program is sports and games themed. Activities will range from yoga to do-it-yourself projects to board games.
“Some of our programs are designed for specific age groups,” explains children’s librarian Andrea Connolly.
“In July, Sullivans USA Karate will teach a workshop to kids ages 5 to 12. Other programs are meant for the whole family.”
Family events include crafts and a game night. “I’m really excited about our DIY cupcake holders that families can make ahead of the Civic Center’s Night of 1000 Cupcakes event,” said Connolly. “And of course we’re keeping old favorites like the search for Lucy the Ladybug.”
Adults wanting to get in on the fun can enroll in a yoga dance session to be led by certified instructor Ann-Marie LaBollita.
Kids get to try yoga too, at a yoga hour to be led by Sat Pritam Khalsa. Other children’s activities will include an Olympics competition and the perennial favorite, a “splash fest” held on the library lawn thanks to the Jaffrey Fire Department.
Teens also will have their pick of several fun events, including a Hunger Games match to encourage the competitive spirit of every Tribute. Other choices will include pizza and gaming and giant outdoors Scrabble.
In addition to special events, weekly storytimes, and summer children’s movies, the library will continue its annual reading challenges. Participants will record their summer reading in order to win prizes. In the past there have been separate categories for children, teens, and adults.
This year sees the start of a fourth category for families who read chapter books aloud together. “Why should parents and children read aloud? When parents read with kids, they can introduce youngsters to favorite stories too difficult for kids to tackle on their own. Kids also have the opportunity to really think about the stories and bring their own imaginations into play,” says Libby Feil, JPL director. “And when children read to parents, they build confidence and get special time with their favorite people. Making reading fun? That’s a win for kids, parents, the library, and the community.”
A variety of prizes for reading challenges will be presented this year. Teens and adults can enter weekly drawings with prizes ranging from earbuds to pedometers to gift certificates. All adult weekly entries will be eligible for the grand prize of four box seat tickets to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats on Aug. 31. Families who read together have the chance to win a family museum pass. Kids, as usual, will receive fun rewards for time spent reading. The more participants read, the more prizes they will be eligible for.
For more information, call the library at 532-7301 or visit in person.