By Mark Bialczak
LPL Communications Specialist
Liverpool Public Library staff members got creative to make sure readers of all ages continue to get the most out of the three traditional summer reading clubs despite changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Children, teens and adults once again were invited to register for their edition of the club, all embracing this year’s umbrella theme from the American Library Association: Imagine Your Story.
Those who attended the safe and socially distanced kickoff celebration on the Dinosaur Garden Lawn on Monday, June 29, got to mingle with a blow-up dragon. At the end of the day, Youth Services Coordinator Joellyn Murry, who teamed with department librarian Deanna McGregor to register members and hand out club kits, reported that about 150 folks had signed up for the three clubs.
Every week of the summer, a new story theme will be presented. The elements of the club will match. Grab & Go bags to help participate in missions and challenges can be picked up each Monday on the Dinosaur Garden lawn.
“Each week we have come up with a variety of offerings based on these story types,” said Murry. “For example, this week is Fantastic Creatures, and the Youth Services staff have come up with a craft, a STEAM project and a variety of activities based on fantastic creatures to give out in our weekly Grab & Go bags.”
Pickup times on Mondays are 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Staffers can also register new members at these times.
“We have a webpage dedicated to our Summer @ LPL program which offers links to e-books on the topic, along with recommended websites, makerspace instructions, outdoor activities and more. Finally, we have our virtual programs which we are offering primarily via Zoom and Facebook. One favorite is our Imagination Station, which we host every Thursday. This virtual gathering gives our patrons the opportunity to show off one of the creations they have made that week! The website page can be found at lpl.org/events/programs-and-events/summer-at-lpl/.
Visit lplny10.readsquared.com to register for Summer @ LPL.
Participants can earn badges and earn tickets for prize raffles until Aug. 22.
“In these changing times, the summer learning program is our golden opportunity to connect with the community. No matter your age, we can all discover worlds we didn’t know existed, learn a tale as old as time, and share your growth through reading and activities, almost entirely from the comfort of your living room,“ said Community Engagement coordinator Maggie Foster.
“From our weekly trivia — cultivated by the master of questions, Cindy Hibbert — to a virtual program on creating your own fairy garden with our community partners, Ballantyne Gardens, we hope Summer @ LPL inspires you to Imagine Your Story in different and unique ways … topped with a dash of librarian magic and a sprinkle of fairy dust,” Foster said.
