A Cool Summer at the West Warwick Public Library

by

Amy E. Skolnik

Assistant Children’s Librarian, West Warwick Public Library

“Chilling Out” at the West Warwick Public Library this summer meant anything but relaxing, especially in the Children’s Department! Preparations for summer in the Children’s Department started at the end of May, when we built an igloo and decorated it with ice and snow to prepare for the statewide winter theme: “Chill Out at the Library.”

As school ended in June, it was sign-up time for Summer Reading Clubs. “Little Polar Explorers” used rubber stamps to mark their reading on special reading records. “Arctic Explorers” in grades 1-6 promised to read and report on five books this summer, earning coupons to fun attractions like the Newport Butterfly Farm and Roger Williams Park Zoo. Older students received donated prizes from local businesses for writing short book reviews—thanks, AJ’s Restaurant, Roller Magic, Dunkin’ Donuts at 275 Cowesett Ave., Showcase Cinema, Blockbuster Video, D’Angelo’s Sandwich Shop, Christmas Tree Shops, Diggy’s Ice Cream, Only a Dollar, and Super Stop & Shop!

During the day there was always something going on at the library. Meredith Johnson, our RI Reads VISTA volunteer, coordinated a free reading-tutoring program for students entering grades 1-3. Three times a week, young children were paired with older Reading Buddies to share books. Summer storytimes with winter themes were very popular with the little ones; they even wore their mittens to a special mitten storytime. School-aged children created cool crafts and got to make their own ice cream, a messy but delicious program. Children “published” their own stories as part of a creative writing program in the library’s computer lab. Library staff also visited local playgrounds to share stories with children at the West Warwick Parks and Recreation camp.

Between programs, the Children’s Department staff recommended good reads and listened to reading club reports. Students answered questions, drew pictures, created models and wrote poetry about their favorite books. Projects were displayed in the library. Two sisters spent several rainy days working on an elaborate project that was proudly displayed.

Evenings at the library were just as busy as the mornings. Performers entertained families with storytelling, puppets and music. On Monday and Wednesday evenings middle school students got to know each other at a variety of programs including a cartooning workshop, a visit from the Providence Animal Rescue League, creating craft projects and a weekly game of charades.

Children finding good books to read for fun or to fulfill school summer reading requirements visited the library all summer. With all of the rainy days this summer, videos were in demand. Harry Potter was also a hot item this summer. The library continues to fill the requests that were placed on the latest installment of Harry Potter’s magical adventures.

As summer draws to a close, the staff at the West Warwick Public Library is officially “chilling out,” storing up energy and preparing for a nationwide September theme: Back to School.