WHATELY — The S. White Dickinson Memorial Library’s summer program will begin with flair this week and continue through August.
“The theme for this year’s Summer Reading Program is ‘Build a Better World.’ In my mind this refers to reading, using your brain and hands to build things, and being helpful — to others and the world at large,” said Library Director Candace Bradbury-Carlin on Thursday.
Programming will kick off with a celebration event Friday, June 16, starting at 6 p.m. at the Chestnut Plain Road library. Bradbury-Carlin noted “we are hoping to build community by having the town fire department display their firetrucks, getting the locally-based company Hoop Joy to share 40 hoops of all sizes for people of all ages to hoop with, and to build your own dessert with local organic strawberries from Whately’s own Chamutka Farms, whipped cream, biscuits and chocolate sauce.”
At Friday’s event, kids and adults can register for Reading Bingo and plan ahead for other events like “a drop-in Crafts for Charity project, where anyone can come in when we are open and make upcycled cat toys that will be donated to Dakin Humane Society at the end of summer,” Bradbury-Carlin said.
Other notable activities include “Fling and Bling,” launching felted balls with hand-made catapults, a few outdoor concerts for teens in August, local author readings and book bag making for adults “out of your favorite old t-shirt.”
Kickoff Party! Fire Trucks, Hula Hoops, Build Your Own Dessert, sign up for Reading BINGO! Friday, June 16, from 6 to 7 p.m.
Reading BINGO! Win as you read — get smart and get prizes! Get your card and the rules at the library, June 17 to Aug. 14.
Drop to in Crafts for Charity! Make cat toys from recycled materials for local animal shelters. Come anytime — we supply the materials and instructions, June 17 to August 14.
Kids Outdoor Concert! Come and hear Miss Julie play the electric ukulele to sing along and dance! Or blow bubbles! Or both! Watermelon and lemonade will be served. Wednesday, June 28 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Fling and Bling Series — Catapults! Make catapults and felted balls from recycled materials … and FLING! Wednesday, July 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Fling and Bling Series — Jewelry! Make upcycled, soft BLING — felted bracelets and earrings! Wednesday, July 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Summer Reading Wrap to up Party! Smoothies and Raffle Prizes! Monday, Aug. 14 from 5 to 6 p.m.