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 4 through grade 5 can sign up any time between June 26 and August 17. Participants will receive incentives for every 5 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 grade 6 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: This Monday, July 30, at 10:30 am, we will feature a professional singer and story teller Susan Merwis. Ms Merwis has a master’s degree in music education and has performed extensively throughout the Northeast. Her program features original songs and familiar favorites, singalongs, puppets, instruments, and lots of audience participation. There is no fee for this program, but seating is limited.

P.J. Story Hours: Listen to bedtime stories, sing songs, and enjoy a puppet show in your pajamas Wednesday evenings, 6:30-7:15 pm. There is just one more program left in the series on August 1. No registration is required; p.j.’s are optional. The program is 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, 10:30-11:30 am. Students in grades 6-8 can check out a copy of the book in the children’s department. Space is limited to 15.

Young Adult Drama Workshop: Young adults, ages 11-13, are invited to sign up to participate in a drama workshop from 2-4 pm, July 30-August 3 and August 6-10. Participants will learn acting techniques and practice acting out scenes from plays with a published playwright, Cynthia Wagnerman. Space is limited to 15 and we ask that if you sign up, you are available to attend most of the sessions. For more information call the children’s department: 426-3851.

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 1:00-3:30 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.