Summer reading may make reading a lifelong habit

Summer reading programs provide a wonderful way for kids and their families and caregivers to enjoy some adventuresome reading this summer. According to the American Library Association, the benefits to readers in a summer reading program include:

  • encouragement that reading becomes a lifelong habit
  • drawing reluctant readers in by the activities
  • helping children keep their skills up
  • generating interest in the library and books.

And it being summer, the program can just be good fun and an opportunity for family time. Pick up your summer reading logs and check out the program offerings. Here’s what’s on deck for July.

Adventure Monday
Mondays, 10 a.m.
The following activities are for age 7 and above. July 15 — Make a paracord survival bracelet; July 22 — Harvest the garden and cooking adventure; and July 29 — What would you do? Stories of survival.

All about the weather family program
Monday, July 15, 5:30 p.m.
Ever wonder what it’s like to be a weather forecaster? Join the weather curious for a presentation by the National Weather Service of Burlington and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association to learn about what these meteorologists do every day to keep you safe. All ages welcome.

Photos by Scooter MacMillan.
Don’t forget the Friends of the Library book sale on the porch this Sunday, July 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. From left, Janice Heilmann, Lynn Cluff and Nan Mason were busy receiving and organizing donated tomes on Saturday, June 29.
Photo by Scooter MacMillan.
Don’t forget the Friends of the Library book sale on the porch this Sunday, July 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. From left, Janice Heilmann, Lynn Cluff and Nan Mason were busy receiving and organizing donated tomes on Saturday, June 29.

Preschool story time
Tuesday, July 16, 10 a.m.
Join the Charlotte Library for preschool stories, crafts and activities. No registration required. Age 2 and over.

Instrument Petting Zoo
Tuesday, July 23, 10 a.m.
The Instrument Petting Zoo includes a wide variety of traditional acoustic instruments: The majority include stringed instruments like fiddles, ukuleles, guitars, banjos, mandolins, cellos and basses with the express purpose of letting young people play them.

Preschool free play
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
Play in the preschool years enables children to explore and make sense of the world around them, as well as to use and develop their imagination. Explore the sensory table, sorting, playing with blocks, playdoh — these are a few of the open-ended projects planned for Wednesday morning play-based learning at the Charlotte Library.

Babytime
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.
You’re invited to an unstructured hour for parents, caregivers, and babies to play, explore books and chat in the young children’s area. Ages birth to 18 months.

Programs for adults

Friends of the Library Book Sale
Sunday, July 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
High-quality selections for all ages.

Stillwater meditation
Saturdays, 9 a.m.
Poetry and meditation are offered freely and in person to the Charlotte community. Come for quiet reflection, contemplation and gentle meditation instruction. Respect for all beings and faiths is a foundational quality of our time together. Beginning and experienced meditators are welcome.

Music with Zachary DeFranco
Saturday, July 13, 1 p.m.
Enjoy old-time and Irish music performed by Zachary DeFranco. He’ll take time to discuss the instrument history as well as the history of the tunes being played.

Mystery book group
Monday, July 15, 10 a.m.
“Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone” will be discussed by the mystery book group. Copies available at the circulation desk.

Better Together book club
Wednesday, July 17, 7 p.m.
Instead of a discussing a book, give and get summer reading suggestions. Come be part of a supportive group talking about parenting and more.

Recurring programs

Book chat
Wednesdays, 3 p.m.
Meet each week to discuss new books, old books and books we might have missed. Each week, Margaret Woodruff selects a theme and highlights related titles from the library collection. No registration necessary.

Bridget and Leo O’Brien came from South Burlington for Let’s Lego at the Charlotte Library. Leo said he has an actual Lego table in his bedroom.
Photo by Scooter MacMillan.
Bridget and Leo O’Brien came from South Burlington for Let’s Lego at the Charlotte Library. Leo said he has an actual Lego table in his bedroom.

Crochet & knit night
Wednesdays, 5-6:30 p.m.
Claudia Marshall is your host for a casual weekly session of crocheting and chatting, knitting and catching up. Bring your project or start a new one with yarn and needles available at the library, along with plenty of books to instruct and inspire. For teens and adults.

Short story selections
Wednesdays, July 17, 1 p.m.
Join library director Margaret Woodruff to discuss short stories old and new on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Via Zoom.

Library Garden Circle
Wednesdays, 4:30-6 p.m. & Fridays, 8:30-10 a.m.
Enjoy tending gardens and seeing them respond? Like friendly conversation while you pull weeds? Appreciate learning from others’ gardening experiences and sharing your own? The Garden Circle of volunteers who tend the library’s educational gardens would love to have you join the Friday morning group work. Experienced and new gardeners welcome. Come every time or as often as you can. Sign up at [email protected], and you’ll be contacted if plans change due to weather, etc. Coordinated by garden stewards Karen Tuininga and Linda Hamilton.

Library contact information:
Margaret Woodruff, director
Cheryl Sloan, youth services librarian
Susanna Kahn, tech librarian
Phone: 802-425-3864
Email

For the latest information about programs, books and activity kits, sign up for the newsletter.

The Charlotte Library Board of Trustees meets the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. unless otherwise rescheduled following the Opening Meeting Law. Due to the Independence Day holiday, the next meeting is rescheduled for Wednesday, July 24, 6 p.m. Please contact the library or visit the library website for more information.


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