ATHOL — The Children’s Summer Reading Program at the Athol Public Library begins Monday, June 24. The program, “A Universe of Stories,” is for children from birth to fifth grade.
Prizes are given, through raffles, to selected readers each week. All summer readers that read at least one book qualify for the grand prize raffle. Grand prizes include for children birth to age 3, a set of board books and a music CD.
Children 5-7 years old can win an astronaut space suit or a big bag of Mega Blocks. Children 6-12 years old can win one of two wireless headsets donated by Walmart in Orange. The Library is grateful to bankHometown, Never Grow Up, and Boyds Mill press for additional weekly prizes.
Every week, until Aug. 9, the library will also host special summer programs. The following events will take place during the first week of the Summer Reading Program:
9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. — Summer Reading Blast Off!: Drop by (no registration necessary) to sign up for Summer Reading! Galactic Challenges and an out of this world photo booth will be set up in the Children’s Library along with the following scheduled activities:
9:30-11:30 a.m. — Make out of this world crafts in the Children’s Library!
1-2 p.m. — Children’s Songs and Games Family Concert with Roger Tincknell! This program is generously funded by Valuing Our Children.
2-3 p.m. — Decorate Constellation Cookies (children served first while supplies last). This program is generously funded by Hannaford.
4-6:30 p.m. — Story Walk by Valuing Our Children: People can read story boards along Millers River Park. Afterward, children can do an activity in the Children’s Library that goes along with the story. In inclement weather, the story walk is brought inside. No registration necessary.
10:15-11 a.m. — Preschool Story Time: Children will learn all about space through stories, songs, movement, and art. No registration necessary and siblings are welcome.
11:-11:30 a.m. — Baby & Toddler Time: Caregivers and children, birth to 36 months, old can drop in for stories, songs, movement, and play. No registration necessary and siblings are welcome.
1-2 p.m. — Mass Movement, Inc. Dance Workshop: Children in grades K-2 can sign up to learn basic dance moves and explore rhythms and beats.
2-3 p.m. — Mass Movement, Inc. Dance Workshop: Children in grades 3-5 can register to learn hip – hop, contemporary, and African dance moves. Both programs by Mass Movement, Inc. are funded by the Athol Cultural Council, a local agency funded by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
9:30-noon — Story Walk by Valuing Our Children: People can read story boards along Millers River Park. Afterward, children can do an activity in the Children’s Library that goes along with the story. In inclement weather, the story walk is brought inside. No registration necessary.
Stop in the Children’s Library or visit the “Children’s Library” web page at athollibrary.org to obtain or to view our Summer Reading flyer. Call 978-249-9515 to register for programs. “A Universe of Stories!” is sponsored by the Athol Public Library, the MA Library System, the Boston Bruins, MA Board of Library Commissioners, bankHometown, and the Friends of the Athol Public Library. All Summer Reading programs are free and open to the public.