To the editor:
"Schools out for summer!"
Remember those words to the popular 1980s song by rocker Alice Cooper?
The kids have been waiting for this all year. However, plans of going to the beach every day and hanging out with friends are often foiled by the changing New England weather. In addition, kids are required to read regularly as part of their summertime homework. So now what?
Head to Sawyer Free Children's Library and sign up for the Summer Reading program.
So far this summer, it's been hopping.
We had a spectacular kick-off for our Summer Reading program with the Toe Jam Puppet Band, a musical duo that had over 100 kids do-si-do-ing and grooving to the tunes. And that's only the beginning!
There's something for everyone at Sawyer Free. For the animal lovers, Critters and Creatures will be visiting with "Creatures of the Night," and Rick Roth and the Cape Ann Vernal Pond team will be here with their "Big Snakes."
Later in the summer, the Museum of Science out of Boston will set up camp at City Hall with its travelling planetarium, Starlab. Our storytimes also continue all summer for the little ones, and our cooking and craft workshops were such a hit last year we are doing them again.
The Children's Library also has a variety of clubs.
Love science? Kids are having a blast making lava lamps and blowing up lunch bags. At Lego Club, you are able to gather with other Lego lovers and build fabulous things.
Kids are also welcome to hang out and use the computers on those hot summer days in our cheery air-conditioned room.
As much fun as it is, the main focus of the Summer Reading program is not just entertainment, but literacy.
Our primary job is to promote reading. The greatest gift we can give a child is a place that will nurture a love for reading that will last a lifetime. Please visit us!
LISA RYAN
Assistant children's librarian
Sawyer Free Library
Gloucester
