AGAWAM — “Anytime is a good time to develop a reading habit,” said Cher Collins, adult services librarian at the Agawam Public Library. “Usually, the summer gives us some downtime and the freedom to relax with a good book happens more often than during the busy school year, when our kids keep us busy with sports, music, dance, karate and so on. A lot of easy beach reads hit the shelves this time of year, too. We can indulge in anything over the summer months.”
The Agawam Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, with separate programs for children, teens and adults, begins June 24 and ends Aug. 9. Fun children’s programs this summer include a stuffed animal sleepover on June 25; paper airplane races on June 26; fantasy Bingo on July 11; and Paint ’n Snack on July 17. There are ongoing scavenger hunts, story walks, family craft take-and-makes, joke days and story times throughout the summer, as well.
Details were still being finalized at press time for the summer reading kickoff event at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 24. The library will offer a craft, a library-wide scavenger hunt, a puzzle race, camp games. ice-breakers and refreshments. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about and register for summer programs and ask questions about the Summer Reading Challenge.
For adults, the program features incentivized reading under the theme “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” Librarians chose an outdoor adventure and camping theme this year. Adults who log an hour of reading, participate in various library activities or write book reviews can earn tickets to enter a raffle for outdoor-themed prizes such as a wicker picnic basket and blanket; backyard bocce set; hammock; bird watching kit; Coleman rolling cooler; and “book lovers reading basket.”
“Last summer, we had about 60 adult participants,” Collins said. “It’s been pretty steady around 50-60 over the past four years due to COVID modifications, our 2021-2022 relocation and an unexpected two-week closure last July.” She went on to say, “We’re not sure what normal is anymore. We have a wonderful, enthusiastic staff who are excited to aim for 75 participants this year. We hope 75 participants and beyond is the new normal. If 75 participants read for the challenge’s 15-hour requirement, we will have collectively read over 1,000 hours.”
Some of the adult programs are a History of Riverside Park talk with local historian David Cecchi on July 11 at 6:30 p.m., and an introduction to letterboxing with Sarah Hodge-Weatherbe on July 18 at 6:30 p.m.
The Agawam Public Library, at 750 Cooper St., is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays. It is closed on Saturdays during the summer. For more information, visit www.agawamlibrary.org.
