Why not spend the summer at the library

Posted 7/2/19

Telescopes, constellations, movies, crafts and books—these were only some of the excitements that filled the Central Warwick Public Library last Friday morning. This commotion has not stopped since …

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Why not spend the summer at the library

Posted

Telescopes, constellations, movies, crafts and books—these were only some of the excitements that filled the Central Warwick Public Library last Friday morning. This commotion has not stopped since June 19, when the Warwick Public Libraries and others across the nation began their Summer Learning Challenge program for kids, teens and adults who are eager to stay active during the summer.

The program’s kick-off celebration included A WPL Space Camp, where kids of all ages experienced a simulated moonwalk, a physical conditioning course, a hand dexterity challenge, comet toss, and astronaut crafts. Those who completed all six stations received their very own WPL NASA badge.

The opening celebration “was very popular,” says children’s librarian of 25 years, Pam Miech. Indeed it was—afterwards, the Summer Learning Challenge program roster gathered, in total, 218 names.

These participants will do more than just Space Camp; the library will offer a multitude of summer activities.

On July 12 at 3:00 pm, the library is hosting an “Engineer a Stomp Rocket with RIMOSA” class inside the large meeting room for science lovers ages 7 and up. Kids will “brainstorm, design, and build a stomp rocket from household materials.”

“Adults are also welcome to participate in the program,” says Miech. In fact, on July 17, there will be a “Family Movie Night” showing Hidden Figures. Sign ups are currently open for families with children ages 7 and up and the event will take place at 6:30 inside the large meeting room.

In addition to these recreational activities, Mieche says that the Library is also trying to couple the “fun environment” with an “educational space.” She explains that the Library has partnered with Warwick Schools for the last three years to allow students more access to their summer reading and IXL practice (printed assignments of each can be found in children’s library). Although these might seem like menial tasks, Mieche says that the library has devised a “prize system” to reward those who complete their work.

“For every completed activity, kids will earn points for their work and they can log them on their point tracker…every 10 points gets you one prize,” explained Mieche.

This popular point system is not limited to children, but teens and adults are welcome to participate, too. From ear buds to McDermett Pool passes, the Library can offer useful prizes.

Although the summer long program will continue to run all the way until August 24, Miech hopes the program will start a routine for kids and teens. “We want kids to keep coming to the library…we want this to be a welcoming space for them.”

The Teen Space is seeing just this—Warwick Teen librarian says “the same kids who come after school are coming for the summer.”

Much like kids, teens have a variety of activities to choose from.

“Role Play Game Saturday” will take place for grades 7-12. Dungeons and Dragons will be played at 1:00-4:00 p.m. on July 13 and also on August 10. Star Wars Games will happen at 1:00-4:00 p.m. on July 27 and August 24. Sign ups begin on July 17.

There will also be many “Teen Movie Nights” throughout the summer. “The Martian,” starring Matt Damon, will show at 2:30 on Monday, July 15.

The Library is works to foster an inclusive environment for the youth of Rhode Island. For information or to find out how you can get involved, go to warwickpubliclibrary.org or call 739-5440.

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  • Justanidiot

    da truth hurts

    Tuesday, July 2, 2019 Report this