End of Summer Reading & Special Tween Events

The end of summer reading is almost here! Can you believe it? I feel like the summer just started and we're already talking about the end of summer reading outdoor fair. Next Thursday, August 19th, the Children's Department will be hosting our annual outdoor fair to celebrate the end of summer reading. This year's fair will be bigger than ever, beginning at 10:30am with a performance by the dance group, JUMP! At 11:30am, environmental artist, Michael Higgins, will be carving sea serpents out of wood and at 12:00pm Sue Klau will present her final puppet workshop of the season. The fair features food and drinks, arts and crafts and for those who completed their reading, certificates, free books and toy prizes. You don't want to miss out! So don't forget to log 6 books by the 19th to qualify for your prizes. Most of the fair events will take place in Aquidneck Park adjacent to the library however the opening dance group will be performing inside the library in the lower level program room.

For Tweens, ages 9 - 12, we have a couple of additional special events also happening on Thursday, August 19th. Have you ever wondered what pirates were like, or how they lived when they came ashore? At 11:30am, the Rhode Island Pirate Players will set up encampments in the park where you will have the opportunity to see what tools of the trade were used and hear stories about what life was like in pirate-infested colonial Rhode Island.

At 3:30pm, Tweens who have attended at least one Friday afternoon activity are invited to a pizza party! Join us for an end of summer reading celebration located in the Stride Room, off the lower lobby. Tween should bring their pizza ticket with them for admittance.

See you on the 19th!

Tandem Tellers

The official kickoff to summer reading is Wednesday, June 30th. Join us at 10:30am in the lower level program room for a storytelling performance by the Tandem Tellers. Hear tales of the briny deep and watery world and sing and dance to the accordian like ancient seafarers.

No registration is required - just drop in! For more information visit the children's Desk or call 401-847-8720 ext. 204.

Make a Splash - Read!

It's almost time for summer! The Children's Deparment is busy preparing for the 2010 summer reading program which is a water-theme this year: Make a Splash - Read! The program will officially begin on Wednesday, June 30th with a storytelling performance by the Tandem Tellers at 10:30am. But you can sign up now by visiting the library, calling the Children's Department or registering online.

It's going to be a terrific 8-week program featuring performers, puppet workshops, a family video games day, a sing-along, a craft program the outdoor fair and much more!

In the next few weeks, librarians from the Children's Department will be visiting the local public and private schools to promote summer reading. Look for us around town and be sure and come and say hello if you see one of us.

For more information about summer reading, visit the library and pick up a calendar and brochure. Or visit our website for all the details and reading recommendations by grade level. And don't forget to Make a Splash - Read!