FORT PLAIN – The Fort Plain Free Library will launch the 2016 summer library program on July 5, according to a release.
A month-long celebration of reading, activities and fun for children 5 and older begins at 1 p.m. July 5 with a kick-off party at the library’s 19 Willett St. location. All programs are free, the news release said.
Parents and caregivers can enroll their children any time during the month. At the July 5 kick off there will be refreshments available and participants can learn about the weekly activities, sign up for a record-keeping “passport” and get their children’s passport photos taken in the library’s photo booth.
Participants can also register for Beanstack, a free Internet application designed to improve children’s literacy skills. Provided to the library through the Mohawk Valley Library System, Beanstack allows children and their parents to get recommendations of books and materials and to log their reading time in order to meet reading challenges and earn “badges,” the news release said.
The first of three Captain Science programs will follow from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
According to the release, Captain Science, also known as retired high school physics teacher John Laffan, explores science-related topics and guides participants as they craft theme-related take-home toys and devices. Children younger than 7 must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Subsequent programs will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on July 12 and 19, the release said.
On July 7 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., retired General Electric scientists will present “Science in the Summer” in the library of the Harry Hoag Elementary School. Additional programs still in planning stages include a special Star Lab planetarium program by the Museum of Innovation and Science in Schenectady. Dates, locations, and times of other events will be announced.
Despite ongoing renovations, other weekly activities are being planned throughout the month of July, the news release said.
Each Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon, members of the Canajoharie-Fort Plain Garden Club, in collaboration with the library, will guide participants in horticulture-related activities during the “Summertime Garden Club for Kids.”
Different topics will be explored during each of the four weekly sessions. While all programs start at the library, participants are encouraged to dress for the weather as some activities are held outdoors. Children younger than 7 must be accompanied by an adult, a news release said.
Other scheduled events include “Experiments in the Kitchen,” food science programs by chef Aaron Katovitch. The programs will be held on two consecutive days, July 25 and 26, at The Table restaurant on Canal Street from 3 to 4 p.m. Adult supervision is required, the release said.
On July 13 from 2 to 3 p.m., join Fort Plain High School juniors Jacob Thomas, Hannah Leonard and Jasmine Bates in an exploration of music and instruments during “The Library Jam Session.” Children in grades 2 and up will have an opportunity to play a variety of musical instruments, including a guitar and a sound machine, the release said.
The work of featured children’s author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers will be celebrated the last four Thursdays in July from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. with the “Children’s Incredible, Amazing, Spectacular Mystery Tour.”
Drawing from a 2010 Jeffers-designed cover for a supplement to The Guardian newspaper that highlighted themed things to do in the United Kingdom, the Fort Plain Free Library will host children’s walking “discovery” tours of the village.
Armed with sketchbooks and journals, children will make rubbings, press flowers and leaves, make drawings, take photographs and the like out in the field, the release said.
On July 8, 15, 22 and 29, homework help facilitator Darren Wilson will lead second- to sixth-grade participants in “Super Hero Training” at the library from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Those sessions, which foster the development of positive energy, self-esteem and confidence, will include fun mind- and body-building exercises, brain teasers, games and collaborative activities, the news release said.
The closing program is slated for July 30, from 3 to 4 p.m. At that time participants who logged reading time or kept track of the number of books read will receive two free books of their choice and refreshments during a party at the library, according to the news release.
Follow the Fort Plain Free Library on Facebook for updates, call 993-4646 or stop by the library at 19 Willett St., for more information, the news release said.
