Children’s Programs

Summer Reading Program: It’s not too late to sign up for this year’s summer reading program, “Readers of the Round Table.” The poster, bookmark, and reading record is an original design by our own Bruce Degen. Children ages four through grade five can sign up any time between June 26 and August 17. Participants will receive incentives for every five books or every 50 pages that they read during the above dates. My Place has donated a free pizza slice, Dunkin Donuts a free donut, Big Y a free helium balloon, and the Friends of the Library a free paperback for those who finish the program and read 20 books.

Middle School Madness is an independent reading program for young adults entering grades six and up. Newtown businesses have donated 30 prizes that will be raffled off after August 18. Participants do not have to register; they simply fill out an entry form for every 50 pages read between June 26 and August 18 and enter it in the box at the library. A special thank you to Marie Walker and the generosity of area businesses that donated to this worthwhile program.

Musical Mondays: Music, stories, and a children’s book on video will be offered every Monday in July (2, 9, 16, 23, and 30). The program will take place in the meeting room from 10:30 to 11:15 am. No registration is required. Recommended for ages 3-6. Nancy Wilder will entertain children with her guitar playing and singing on July 24.

P.J. Story Hours: Listen to bedtime stories, sing songs, and enjoy a puppet show in your pajamas Wednesday evenings, 6:30 to 7:15 pm, July 11 through August 1. No registration is required; p.j.s optional; fun for the entire family.

Young Adult Book Discussion: Liz Arneth will lead a discussion based on Philip Pullman’s book The Golden Compass, Tuesday, August 14, 10:30 to 11:30 am. Students in grades 6-8 can check out a copy of the book in the children’s department. Space is limited to 15.

Adult Programs

Summer Concerts in the library’s backyard: The library’s summer music series will be continuing on Friday, August 17, at 7 pm with an outdoor concert by River City Slim and the Zydeco Hogs. So grab a picnic dinner and some friends and join us under the stars for a great evening of music and fun in the Booth backyard. The concert is free and open to the public.

Daytime Book Group: The next daytime book discussion will take place August 13, from 1 to 2:30 pm. We will discuss The Missing World by Margot Livesy. Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro has been selected for September 10. Please call the library at 426-4533 if you have any questions.

Free Blood Pressure Screening: The screening takes place from 10 am to noon on the fourth Wednesday of every month in the Genealogy Room. The next screening date will be July 26. This service is provided free of charge and is sponsored by Ashlar of Newtown.