To the editor:
The Peterborough Town Library’s “Get in the Game – Read!” seven-week summer reading program for kids concluded Aug. 4. Highlights included storytelling by Simon Brooks at Adams Playground with popsicle snacks, comedic juggling by Bryson Lang with a juggling workshop, a Zombie Nerf Apocalypse, games around the world by the Mariposa Museum, reading with Toven the therapy dog, snap circuits at the maker table, weekly family storytimes, scavenger hunts, prize drawings, and a kick-off concert and picnic in Depot Park with Steve Blunt and Friends!
One hundred and eighty-nine people officially registered for the program, but many more visited with us throughout the summer.
Thanks to the Friends of the Peterborough Town Library for funding our programs and prizes, the Toadstool Bookshop and the Kyes-Sage Bookshop for donating book coupons, Escape Hatch Books and Ava Marie’s for donating gift certificates, Mary Stefanik for driving Toven to the library, library staff and all the participants for their creativity, support, and suggestions.
Special thanks to members of ConVal High School’s Interact Club – Lala Buzzell, Emma Brown, Mya Brown, Lindsey Carey, Hannah Cheneau, Rachel Hurley, Alyssa Janoch, Molly Janoch, Michelle Jarest, Cormac Newman and Maeve Newman – for running the games played after each weekly family storytime!
Why do public libraries across the nation celebrate summer reading, creative play and listening? Numerous studies have shown reading over the summer prevents the “summer slide” – a phenomenon observed when students lose some of the skills they built up during the school year. Every year, the Peterborough Town Library develops a summer reading program to promote literacy in our community, to introduce families to the library, and to help kids keep their minds active and enter school ready to learn. Plus, it’s fun!
Lisa Bearce
children’s librarian
Peterborough Town Library