“On Your Mark, Get Set, Read!” This summer is all about being active, both mentally and physically, at the Mattapoisett Library. A full program of children’s activities and events have been planned for babies through teens. Adult summer reading activities have also been scheduled, including Library Bingo with prizes and a drawing for a large basket of summer reading and fun items. Adults and teens are also invited to the weekly Book Walk and Talk with the library staff to Ned’s Point and back on Wednesday mornings at 8:00 am.
Children can begin registering for the summer reading program on Tuesday, June 14 at the library, when they will receive a reading log and a schedule of events. There will be a new craft each week, fun science activities in the library’s new STEM center, drop-in weekly story times on Thursday mornings, movies, chess club, and more. Check in and report reading hours in order to attend the Ice Cream Social on August 10 when the winners of raffle prizes will be drawn.
The children’s summer program officially kicks off on Thursday, June 23 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm with crafts, face painting, prizes, and fun on the Mattapoisett Congregational Church lawn, followed by a community concert from 6:00 to 8:00 pm with musicians from the Massachusetts Walking Tour of Traveling Musicians and local talent. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner to enjoy the evening.
Special events at the library include the annual visit from the Wareham Gatemen on June 28 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. The baseball players will read stories and sign autographs. Pictures will be taken for children to make their own baseball card. No registration required. Bring your glove and play catch with the Gatemen!
Science fun is being offered for an hour each on July 1, July 23, and August 6, for children ages 3 and up. Younger children are welcome with an adult helper to try some exciting experiments. Registration required.
Move and Groove at the library on July 5, July 12 and August 2 at 3:00 pm. Play fun games, try new dance moves, and enjoy a yoga pose. The program is geared to children in kindergarten through grade 3, but everyone is welcome. Sign up in the children’s room.
On July 8, from 10:30 to 11:30 am, dance educator Kay Alden will show children how to warm up in the right way and escape injury with exercises. Learn to stretch before dance and sporting activities, for ages 4 through 10. Please sign up.
Thursday, July 14 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm will be a Fun Fair on the lawn, featuring the Junior Friends of the Library as hosts. While coming to shop at Harbor Days and the Friends’ Annual Book Sale, children are invited to play games, win prizes, and make crafts. Rain date is Friday, July 15. All ages are welcome, and no registration is required.
Marvelous Marvin’s Circus Arts Health Extravaganza will take place on Tuesday, July 19 at 2:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. Marvelous Marvin will entertain with a performance that emphasizes the benefits of keeping your mind and body healthy and active. Audience members can try out some circus arts for themselves by juggling balls, clubs, spinning plates, and more! All ages are invited to this free event. Sign up at the library. This program is sponsored by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
More programs and events for children of all ages will continue into August. The Back to School Bash at the Library with Vinny the Bubble Guy and the Mud Dauber Band will be held on Tuesday, August 23 at 1:00 pm.
Visit the Children’s Department at the library for the full schedule of events and more details.
Summer reading books and audiobooks are available for students from area schools. Ask a librarian to help reserve what you need.
And, if this isn’t enough, don’t forget to shop at the Annual Book Sale on July 16 and 17, and check out the library’s new 3D printer!
The library is located at 7 Barstow Street in Mattapoisett village. Also see events and services at www.MattapoisettLibrary.org