Summer Reading Program Begins! Registration for children and teens continues for the Mattapoisett Library’s six-week Summer Reading Program, which begins this week. This year’s theme for children, “Dig Into Reading,” offers many creative opportunities to read together, enjoy crafts, special events and ongoing workshops for all ages. The program description and calendar is available in the Children’s Department. There are programs for toddlers through teens, including reading, art, crafts, drama, magic and more.
The Gatemen Baseball Players Return! Members of the Gatemen, the well-known local collegiate baseball team, will read books and make a craft with children at the library on June 25 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Bring your baseball for autographs and a camera to take photos. Bring your glove and join the players playing catch on the lawn.
Pawtucket Red Sox Celebrate Summer Reading! On August 29, the Mattapoisett Free Public Library and the Pawsox will honor students who achieved their summer reading goals. Each student who completes the summer reading program will receive one reserved box seat or one general admission ticket based on his or her family’s ticket choice. Additional tickets can be purchased by filling out the form available at the library. The students will be honored on the field prior to the Pawtucket Red Sox game on August 29. More information is available in the Children’s Department at the library. Go PawSox, and go summer readers!
New Summer Reading Prizes! This year’s summer reading family prizes include two general admission tickets to the Eastern States Exposition (The Big E in West Springfield) and a prize from Yankee Candle created especially for the summer reading program. Both prizes will be available by a drawing at the end of the program celebration in August.
Art in Bloom at the Library! Beginning June 20, selected works of art by local high school juniors and seniors will be enhanced with original floral interpretations by members of the Mattapoisett Women’s Club Flower Group. The arrangements will remain through the beginning of the following week.
Beginners’ Fishing Clinic: Learn the basics about how to fish from Jim Lagacy of Mass. Wildlife on June 27, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. Find out what kind of bait is needed, how to cast and other essentials of fishing safety. Fishing poles may be checked out of the Mattapoisett Library with an adult library card. This program is for adults and children, beginning fishermen only.
Having Fun with Fossils and Dinosaurs: Paulette Morin will present a multimedia show for children ages 5 though 12 on June 28 at 10:30 am. Learn how to find fossils. She will bring more than 100 fossil specimens to examine. If you like dinosaurs, don’t miss this special program.
Outdoor Theatre: Children ages 3 and up are invited to register for this creative and enjoyable introduction to theatre, under the direction of Ellen Flynn. The younger children will learn about Beatrix Potter’s “The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse” for their performance. The older children will rehearse and perform scenes from the traditional fairy tale, “Beauty and the Beast.” The rehearsals and performances will be held Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, beginning July 3. Registration is required.
Under the Big Top: A weekly interactive program all about the circus will begin on July 2 from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Learn the history and lore of the circus. Examine and use circus props. Find out about circus animals and how they move. Dance educator Kay Hanley Alden will include an introduction to circus make-up. The program will end with a circus parade on July 23. For children ages 5 through 10 years old. Registration is required.
Creative Writing: Poet and teacher Debby Corbett will conduct a creative writing workshop with children entering grades 6-8 on Wednesdays at 12:30 until 1:15 pm beginning on July 10. Sign up in the Children’s Department.
Young Adult Creative Writing Workshop: High school students are encouraged to sign up for four writing sessions with award-winning young adult author Scott Blagden. Workshops will be held Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:00 pm beginning July 10. Sign up in the Young Adult Department with librarian Elizabeth Sherry, or email esherry@sailsinc.org. Submit a sample of your writing in advance if you wish, but it is not required. Learn how to structure a novel or story and ask Scott your writing questions. A great opportunity!
Student Lounge: If you haven’t been in the library recently, be sure to visit the new student lounge, for students and by students. Located on the main level near the nonfiction wing, the lounge contains the young adult fiction collection as well as comfortable lounge furniture, young adult music CDs and DVDs and a cereal bar. This is the perfect place to kick back in the air conditioning and meet some friends or catch up on summer reading. The local school reading lists are available.