Affordable Activities for Everyone

“I’m looking for affordable activities for my family this summer. Does the library have any programs?” The Newton Falls Public Library has great programs for all ages this summer. There are also resources and ideas to borrow with activities which you can do without spending much money. Visit the library and ask a librarian to show you the many local travel, craft, project, and game books. Borrow DVDs and videos, audiobooks and CD-Roms.

Parents and children, ages 0 – 5 years can participate in Read to Me @ My Library. At home, read to your child, complete the reading readiness activities, and earn up to 4 prizes. Parents will be eligible for the grand prize drawing of Roby Lee’s gift certificate. Family Story Time for children, ages 0 – 6 years and their families will be on Tuesdays, June 16 through July 28, at 7 p.m. Story Time for children, ages 2 ½ - 5 years, with a caregiver will be on Wednesdays, June 17 – July 29 at 10:30 a.m. Registration for the programs will begin on June 1.

Children, entering grades 3 – 6, can join our Readers Theater and help choose, prepare, and present a short play. There will be no auditions or lines to memorize. The group will meet on Tuesdays, June 9 – 30, at 2 p.m. Registration begins on June 1 and the performance will be on July 1 at 2 p.m.

Library Sprouts is for children, ages 4 – 12 years. Learn about growing and harvesting your own food. This group meets weekly in June and July on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Call anytime to register. Please be aware that they will be working outside and eating the items they grow. Please alert the Children’s Librarian of any insect or food allergies.

Children, going into kindergarten through sixth grade, can win weekly prizes for reading. Packets can be picked up beginning June 8. Prizes have been donated by the Friends of the Library, Dairy Queen, and Subway. In conjunction with the Reading Rewards activities there is also weekly programming on Wednesday afternoons, June 17 – July 22. There will also be a weekly ‘Look & Find.’ Search the library for the missing puzzle piece and help us to put together our masterpiece.

Teens, entering grades 7 – 12, Express Yourself @ Your Library by earning scratch off tickets for books read. There will be weekly instant winners and non-winning tickets will be entered into the grand prize drawings, which include video MP3 players donated by Pamida. Register to create a Duct Tape Bust - June 15, Altered Books - June 29, Collage Self Portrait - July 13, and Tie-dyed shirt - July 27. These Monday programs will be at 3 p.m. Teens, register for the three week Game Design Workshop and create your own video game. Sessions meet Thursdays at 2 p.m. Session 1 runs from June 11 – 25; session 2 from July 9 – 23. Anime/Manga Club will meet Saturday, June 27 and July 25 at 2 p.m. Students under 16 must have a signed permission slip or be accompanied by a parent. Wii Play for students ages 10 – 17 will be on Thursday, June 11 and July 9 at 4 p.m. Registration is required.

Adults can also participate in reading activities. For each library book, audiobook, or magazine enjoyed, earn an entry into our weekly prize drawing. At the end of the program, a winner’s name will be drawn for the grand prize which includes a gift certificate to Café 422. Register today for the Garden Plant Exchange on Wednesday, June 17, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Bring seedlings or cuttings to exchange with the other participants. Sign up for the Meet and Eat, pick up a recipe form, submit it to the library by July 20, and on Monday, July 27, at 6 p.m. bring your prepared dish for a recipe tasting. The Get Back to Work @ the Newton Falls Public Library computer skills training courses will be continue through the summer. Contact the library for the schedule of classes.

Knit and Stitch will continue to meet during the summer on Mondays, June 8, June 22, July 6, and July 20 at 4 p.m. Anyone, ages 10 years and older, who wishes to make a project for themselves or a friend is welcome. Register anytime for this ongoing program.

For more information about summer programs visit the Newton Falls Public Library, 204 S. Canal St., Newton Falls, phone 330-872-1282, or online at www.newtonfalls.org.