by Beth Melo on June 21, 2022

This morning is the start of the Southborough Library’s Summer Reading program.

Kids are invited to start signing up to log their reading and participate in the fun. As usual, there will be activities and challenges to engage kids each time they visit the Children’s Room. Plus, this summer’s highlights include the return of entertainers, regular outdoor story times, and craft programs.

Most of the fun is open to all without pre-registration. But be sure to register in advance for next week’s puppet show, the end of summer party for kids entering Kindergarten, and/or the special craft programs for older kids.

Here is an overview of the Summer Reading program and related special activities. Mark your calendars! 

Registration: Sign up in person in the Children’s Room or online (here).

Prizes: Registered participants can enter to win Summer Reading prizes each time they check out items from the library. New winners are drawn every Monday.

Reading Logs: This year, the Library is asking kids to tracking their time spent reading. Track online through Beanstack or pick up reading logs in the Children’s Room. (If you are using the written logs, bring them in with you when you visit so staff can track kids’ minutes throughout the summer!) The Library’s goal is to reach 90,000 minutes by August 31st.

Book Bingo: Kids are encouraged to complete activities (many reading related) to get Bingo. This summer kids can choose from one prepared by Librarians or the Boston Bruins, or do both.

Activities in the Children’s Room: Each week the following activities are refreshed. Kids can scout for “wooodland animals” hiding in new spots. Readers can search for hidden letters to unscramble to make a summer-related word. And visitors are offered an updated “Five Things to Do This Week” challenge sheet.

Ducks: The popular rubber ducks are ready for another summer of traveling! Check out a duck from the library and take it on a trip or hang out around the house. Report back on where your duck has been and share pictures!

Mr. Vinny’s Bubble Show Thursday, June 23rd, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, Library Lawn

Mr. Vinny will bring giant bubble wands to provide an hour of bubble chasing and games on the library lawn! All ages, no registration required. (Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.)

Puppet Show with Tom Knight Tuesday, June 28th, 11:00 – 11:45 am, Library Lawn

Tom’s music and puppetry include favorites like “The Garbage Monster”, “The Solar System”, and “Alligator Jump”. This event is open to all families with children age 2-8 years and siblings. Please register by emailing Kim at kivers@southboroughma.com or calling 508-485-5031. (Sponsored by YMCA and Community Family Partnership.)

Fourth of July Parade Friday, July 1st, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Participants gather in the Children’s Room, then march up Common Street through the Town House and back.

Dress in red, white, and blue to join our Fourth of July Parade to the Town House! Flags, noisemakers, and other decorations will be provided and refreshments will be served after the parade. All ages, no registration required. (Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.)

Storyteller Diane Edgecomb Tuesday, July 12th, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Library Lawn (or Main Floor if inclement weather)

Step off the Beaten Path and into the Big Outdoors in this fun-loving Participatory Program with award-winning storyteller Diane Edgecomb. We’ll go on a fossil dig in Montana to discover a new dinosaur and take on the world’s sassiest bugs all before we break out our lunch pails. Join in the stories, songs and FUN that have made Diane Edgecomb one of New England’s favorite storytellers. Diane has been featured on NPR and is a winner of a Parent’s Choice award for her CDs and recordings. Ages 4+, no registration required.(Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.)

Family Concert with Hit the Bus! Tuesday, August 2nd, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, Library Lawn (or Main Floor if inclement weather)

Join David and Eric with a family concert on the library lawn. Everyone is invited to dance and sing along! All ages, no registration necessary. (Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.)

Animal Adventures Tuesday, August 9th, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Library Lawn (or Main Floor if inclement weather)

Meet and learn about 8-10 exotic animals from an experienced zookeeper. There will be a chance to pet some of the animals! All ages, no registration required. (Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.)

Magic with Ed Popielarczyk! Thursday, August 18th, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, Library Lawn (or Main Floor if inclement weather)

Wrap up Summer Reading with Magician Ed Popielarczyk! Be amazed at the magic and amused by the comedy! All ages, no registration required. (Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.)

Kindergarten Party Tuesday, August 23, 2022, 3:00 – 3:45 pm, Library Lawn

This fun event for kids going into kindergarten will include stories, a game, a craft, and refreshments. Parents and children will also get to meet other kids starting kindergarten. (Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.) Please register.

Stop by the Children’s Room any time between 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on the following days for these activities. (All ages, no registration required.)

This special musical program for little ones will take place Fridays, July 8 through August 19, 11:00 – 11:30 am, Children’s Room:

Join our Library Associate, Amy Kaufman for our summer Kids Jam program! Traditional and popular children’s songs will be accompanied by mountain dulcimer. Suitable for newborns through preschool age. Drop-In, no registration necessary. Children must be accompanied by parent/caregiver.

Each month, the Library is bringing in crafter Mandy Roberge to lead a program for ages 8 years and older. Registration is required for each of the following sessions.

Crafternoon: Creative Journaling Wednesday, June 29th, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, Main Floor

Using multi-media supplies and prompts, kids can begin a journal to use at home, with the theme of acknowledging gratitude in their lives. This journal will also include a summer bucket list. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library. Please register.

Open Crafting Wednesday, July 20th, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, Main Floor

Craft instructor Mandy Roberge has gone through her studio will provide tables of fun craft supplies. All you need is your creativity! This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library. Please register.

Crafternoon: Mini Lanterns Wednesday, August 17th, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, Main Floor

Join us for Crafternoon: Reading Jar Mini-Lanterns. Decorate a glass jar using decoupage and turn it into a reading light! A battery operated tea light will be provided. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library. Please register.

Join the Library for story time outside on the Library Lawn. (Please bring blankets/chairs.) For all ages, no registration necessary. The scheduled times vary (and one was replaced by the puppet show on June 28th):

Updated (6/21/22, 11: 20 am): For a few minutes, I had the wrong date and time listed for next week’s puppet show.

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