Jaffrey Public Library closed out its Summer Learning program with a week of events, including a visit from an author and illustrator, a children’s entertainer and prizes.

About 230 children participated in the Jaffrey Public Library’s Summer Learning program this summer.

On Aug. 6, with funding from a Children’s Literacy Foundation Summer Readers grant, the library was able to host children’s author and illustrator John Steven Gurney.

Children's author and illustrator, John Steven Gurney teaches kids the art of illustration at the Jaffrey Public Library. COURTESY
Children’s author and illustrator, John Steven Gurney teaches kids the art of illustration at the Jaffrey Public Library. COURTESY Credit: COURTESY
Children's author and illustrator, John Steven Gurney with Jaffrey resident, Jack Mitchell, with his favorite book by Gurney, Dinosaur Train. COURTESY
Children’s author and illustrator, John Steven Gurney with Jaffrey resident, Jack Mitchell, with his favorite book by Gurney, Dinosaur Train. COURTESY Credit: COURTESY

Gurney held a storytelling event and taught children some basics of the art of illustration. As part of the event, each child in attendance got to select two brand new books to take home. CLiF’s Summer Readers grant supports summer programs in Vermont and New Hampshire, with a goal of keeping children reading through school vacation.

On Aug. 8, the library held its Summer Learning grand finale, featuring children’s entertainer and music performer Mr. Aaron. In a group activity, the children translated the electrical signals produced by plants and turned them into musical notes.

Children's performer, Mr. Aaron teaches children at the Jaffrey Public Library how to translate the electrical signals plants produce into musical notes using a synthesize. COURTESY
Children’s performer, Mr. Aaron teaches children at the Jaffrey Public Library how to translate the electrical signals plants produce into musical notes using a synthesize. COURTESY Credit: COURTESY
James Marquardt, age 5 of Jaffrey, wins one of the grand prize bicycles donated to the Jaffrey Public Library's Summer Learning program by Charity Lodge #18, as part of the Masons' Bikes for Books program. COURTESY
James Marquardt, age 5 of Jaffrey, wins one of the grand prize bicycles donated to the Jaffrey Public Library’s Summer Learning program by Charity Lodge #18, as part of the Masons’ Bikes for Books program. COURTESY Credit: COURTESY

During the finale, the library also awarded the Summer Learning grand prizes, bicycles donated by the Mason’s Charity Lodge #18 in Jaffrey.

Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.