CAZENOVIA — This summer, the Cazenovia Public Library is offering a full schedule of diverse programs for children and adults of all ages.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the programs are free and open to the public.
“Our summer programming at the library is designed to share a joy of reading and learning with our community,” said Children’s Education Coordinator Jenna Wright-Martin. “We are excited to be able to offer outdoor programming along with take home kits this summer. It is wonderful to be able to interact with our library patrons again after the virtual programs of the last year.”
Youth and family programs
Children’s Education Coordinator Jenna Wright-Martin has put together a seven-week series of alternating take-home explorer kits and events for kids to enjoy throughout the summer.
The four “Tails & Tales” kits explore winged animals (July 5-9), land animals (July 19-23), water animals (Aug. 2-6), and magical/mythical animals (Aug. 16-20). Each kit includes two or three thematic STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) activities, a book list, and a bookmark. Registration is required.
This year, a Teddy Bear Picnic will be held July 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the library lawn in celebration of Independence Day.
Participants are invited to decorate carts and wear festive clothing.
Light refreshments will be provided.
From June 28 through July 7, families can stroll through the village to enjoy “The Bear Went Over the Mountain” by Jane Cabrera. Pages from the children’s book will be displayed in the windows of downtown businesses.
The Stuffed Animal Story Time & Sleepover will be held July 12 at 5:30 p.m. Children and their stuffed animals will join Wright-Martin on the library lawn for a story and a craft. The stuffed animals will then have the chance to find out what happens at the library after hours. Families can pick up their toys the next morning and see what they have been up to.
On July 14, the library will partner with Madison County Rural Health Council, Inc. to set up a story walk of the book “The Not So Quiet Library,” by Zachariah OHora. Pages of the story will be displayed along the village’s Monday Mile route, and a take-home donut craft will be available at the library.
Aug. 10-12, families will travel into the past through a Local History Escape Room in the Community Room. Groups will have 45 minutes to hunt for clues and decipher riddles found in Cazenovia documents. To return to 2021, participants must solve the puzzle and find the secret code before the time runs out.
The program is designed for small groups with at least one adult. An email will be sent to registered groups to select their time slots.
Visiting presenters and performers
On July 16, the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) will present a live-science demonstration at 1:30 p.m. on the lawn.
The hour-long presentation will explore the characteristics scientists use to classify animals, take an up-close look at real-life specimens, and explore what makes each animal unique.
Entertainer Jeff the Magic Man will present an hour of magic and fun on the library lawn on July 30 beginning at 1:30 p.m.
The performer will present a half hour magic show and spend the remaining time creating balloon animals for guests.
The Utica Zoo Zoomobile will visit the library lawn on Aug. 13 at 2 p.m. The zoo educators will bring along a variety of live animals. For safety reasons, participants will not be able to touch the animals.
Ongoing programs
Children are invited to join Wright-Martin at Creekside Park for story time every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Creekside Park is located below the library parking lot along Riverside Dr between Mill St and Albany St.
Families are asked to bring their own blankets and practice social distancing.
Each Wednesday in July, lawn games will be available for use on the front lawn from noon to 5 p.m.
In August the library’s east sidewalk will look a little different. Walkers can make their way through an interactive “Silly Sidewalk Obstacle Course” by following a series of prompts painted on the sidewalk from Albany St to the parking lot.
Adult crafting
The library will bring small group crafting back to the Reference Room every other week at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Registration is required. The activities are designed for ages 13 and up. All supplies will be provided.
Wright-Martin and archivist Elisha Davies will facilitate a clothespin wreath craft on July 7, rock painting on July 21, silhouette art on Aug. 4, and terrariums on Aug. 18.
To register for an event or learn more about the summer program series, visit cazenoviapubliclibrary.org or call 315-655-9322.
