Summer Programs at the Library
Summer Programs at the Library
Ellicottville Memorial Library to Host a Variety of Events
They say a book can transport you places, like magic (I concur). So it just makes sense that the place where the books live holds a little power of its own. The Ellicottville Memorial Library is putting that power to good use this summer. With a line-up of fun activities and programs, it’s an excellent way to spend a summer day. Library Director Laura Flanagan took the time to share with us what the library has in store.
eNOW: Summer is a busy time for the library. You have a lot of classes during the week, could you give us some details about them?
LAURA: During the summer, we mainly focus on children’s programs, although we continue with some of the adult programs as well. For adults, we have a knitting group that is open for all levels – for beginners we even have yarn and needles to get you started. The weekly adult craft class takes a break during July and August, but it will be back again on Tuesday afternoons starting in September. There are also various exercise classes such as Yoga and Tai Chi, just contact the library for details on dates and times.
For kids we have story time every Wednesday from 9:30-10:00am. Come hear a few stories with Dr. Kate followed by movement activities to help promote hand-eye coordination and finish with a craft. Next week’s theme is wind and we will be making pinwheels! Also, on Wednesday afternoons from 3:00-4:30pm, we have a Maker Space available in the Community Room of the library. This is free time to explore our fun activities such as cubelet robot blocks, airblock programmable drones, magna tiles and more.
eNOW: The children's summer reading program starts soon. When are sign-ups and what does the program entail?
LAURA: The Summer Reading Program is a five-week program (July 8th-August 11th) filled with lots of activities, games and challenges. We even have our own high school age summer intern thanks to the Bob McCarthy Foundation available on weekdays to help keep the kids busy and engaged. The theme this year is “Adventure Begins at Your Library” and sign-ups begin starting on July 1st. At that time, kids will get their activity booklet to log their reading and a special book bag. New this year – every time a child brings the book bag to the library, they will receive a coupon to win a special prize!
Each week will be a mini theme such as adventure in the woods, adventure in the ocean, etc. For every week that a child reads (or is read to) for at least 15 minutes a day, they receive a prize. The first week is a free ice cream cone from Watson’s! In addition, the more you read, the more chances you get to win the bigger prizes… think tent, fishing pole, outdoor games – you get the idea. Also, every week there are activities such as minute to win it games, puzzles to solve, the occasional scavenger hunt and sometimes even mini golf in the library. If all five weeks of activities and reading are completed, each child gets to choose a new book to keep.
During those five weeks, there is a free program on Tuesdays at 1:00pm. Thanks to the Elisa B. Hughey Foundation, we will have various craft/art programs each week. Exact details will be available in the booklet when the kids sign up.
eNOW: Is there an adult summer reading program as well?
LAURA: This summer we will have our first Adult Summer Reading program. Sign-ups will start July 1st. As with the children’s version, the more books you read the more chances to be entered into a prize drawing.
eNOW: You’ve got book clubs as well. How do you join up for those and what's the next book?
LAURA: Our only book club currently is a young adult book club. To sign up, just contact the library and we will add you to the list so that enough books are ordered for each member. This month’s book was I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson. Contact the library for the next month’s selection.
eNOW: Anything else you would like to add?
LAURA: The Ellicottville Memorial Library is a great place to visit in the summer. Come in and enjoy our air conditioning on those hot, humid summer days or relax out on the Lowry Family patio in one of our Adirondack chairs. Our high speed, broadband internet is always on, so even if we aren’t open, you can still surf the internet from your car or from the patio area. What library would be complete without books? Stop in and enjoy our selection of new books in both the Adult and Children’s sections. There is something for everyone at your local library!
You heard the lady - there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the library. Come on out and take your mind on an adventure this summer.
