Above: The Library is encouraging teens and tweens to get engaged in reading and activities this summer, including crafts, volunteering, and playing games. Plus, they can raise funds for library programs. (images of flyers)
The Southborough Library kicked off their Summer Reading program for teens and tweens this week. Free programs encourage them to pop into the library throughout the summer.
Some of the events below are for ages 7/10+, but most are for ages 11/12 and older.
(I already posted about the Children’s Room programs for younger readers which includes other events and activities that may also appeal to some tweens.)
This year’s Summer Reading theme is “Plant a Seed, Read”.
Reading Logs: Readers ages 11+ are invited to sign up for summer reading online (here) and log their minutes spent reading. (Younger readers can sign up for the Children’s Summer Reading Program. Learn more here.)
New — Teen Read-a-thon with special prizes
This summer, teens’ reading logs can be used both as a way to incentivize reading and (optionally) to raise funds for the library through the Friends of the Southborough Library!
Readers create their own reading goals that they can share with their community (family, friends, etc.). Supporters can pledge an amount to donate if the reader’s goal is reached.
Readers who achieve 15 hours will earn a library prize and readers who achieve 20 hours will be entered into a raffle for an Uhlman’s Ice Cream or Tatnuck Bookseller gift card! (Readers aren’t required to raise funds in order to qualify for the prizes. They just need to participate in the read-a-thon to track their reading.)
Summer Bingo – Participating teens & tweens (or even adults) are encouraged to pick up a bingo sheet at the library (or print one from home) and try to complete as many bingo squares as they can by August 31st. At the end of summer, they can turn in the bingo sheet at the upstairs circulation desk and choose a prize.
Take-home-kits — Sunflower Felting Craft
Now through July 22nd, patrons ages 11+ can sign up to get a free “beginner-friendly needle felting kit”. Participants will be directed to an online how-to video to teach them “how to ‘paint’ with wool by felting directly onto fabric”. Each kit makes a “beautiful handmade” sunflower decoration that can be hung.
Click here to register. (And if this activity interests you, you may also want to sign up for the felting workshop on July 22nd. Scroll down for those details.)
Special Events that require Pre-registration
Summer Puzzle Race
Tuesday, June 30th, 6:00 – 8:30 pm, main floor
For kids ages 7+. Are you a competitive puzzler? Find out at the library’s next puzzle race! Participants will be organized into teams and the first team to finish the 500 piece puzzle wins! (Click here to register.)
Bake Off – Plant themed!
Tuesday, July 7th, 6:00 – 7:00 pm, main floor
For ages 11+. Bake your goodies at home and bring them into the library. This time, baked items should have a plant theme. Desserts will be admired and awarded and then participants get to enjoy some treats while participants do a group activity. (Click here to register.)
Mason Jar Makeover
Wednesday, July 8th, 6:00 – 7:00 pm, main floor
For teens ages 12+ through adults. Decorate mason jars with crafter Mandy Roberge. “Lots of fun ideas will be available with plenty of supplies to make your mason jar into whatever you want it to be — from a drinking cup to a little lantern with twinkly lights.” (Click here to register.)
Felted Wildflower Hoop
Wednesday, July 22nd, 5:30 – 7:00 pm, main floor
For teens ages 12+ through adults. In this needle felting workshop, participants will “create a stunning felted landscape showcasing mountains and vibrant wildflowers!” Instructors from Pop Up Art School will also teach the skills for participants to “continue your felting journey independently”. (Click here to register.)
Fun with Shells
Tuesday, August 12th, 6:00 – 7:00 pm, main floor
For teens ages 12+ through adults. Crafter Mandy Roberge will lead this workhop. Participants can make a a ring dish and/or an ornament or sun catcher using an oyster shell, a scallop shell and a sand dollar along with various papers, tissues/napkins, beads and more to create. (Click here to register.)
Trivia for Teens
Thursday, August 13th, 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Main Floor
For teens. Team up and compete in this fun trivia competition hour with prizes. (Click here to register.)
Drop-in Programs
No registration or time commitment is required to join these drop-in activities.
TLT Volunteer Activities
Each month, the library and its Teen Library Team volunteers organize a special volunteer opportunity for a good cause that teens and tweens can drop-in to help with. (Appropriate ages vary). Time spent on each project can be counted toward volunteer credit.
TLT: Adopt Me Flyers
Monday, June 29th, 3:00 – 4:00 pm, main floor
For ages 12+. Volunteers will make flyers for pets available to be adopted through a local animal shelter (Baypath Humane Society). Note: no pets will be present.
TLT: Lego Kits
Tuesday, July 21st, 4:00 – 6:00 pm, Eaton Room
For ages 10+. Volunteers are invited to make Lego Kits from donated Legos for youth in the foster system (through Project CASA). Volunteers will decorate a box for each Lego kit and make some example projects. All Lego skill levels welcome! (Sponsored by the Southborough Community Fund.)
TLT: Educational Kits
Tuesday, August 4th, 5:00 – 6:00 pm, main floor
For ages 12+. Volunteers are invited to make Educational Kits for youth in the foster system (through Project CASA). Volunteers will decorate a box for each kit and sort the items into the boxes. (Sponsored by the Southborough Community Fund.)
Craft & Create
For ages 10+. In two sessions this summer, kids are invited to come in and “show off what they can create from the library’s” craft supplies:
Craft & Create: Clay Art
Thursday, July 2nd, 3:00 – 4:00 pm, Eaton Room
Craft & Create: Collages
Wednesday, July 2nd, 3:00 – 4:00 pm, Eaton Room
Comic Button Making
Mondays, 2:00 – 4:00 pm, July 6th – August 31st, Eaton Room
For ages 12+. Patrons are invited to make pin-on buttons using the library’s button maker and comic books.
Retro Racing Games
Thursday, July 26th 5:00 – 5:00 pm, Teen Room
For ages 11-19. Teens are invited to join library employees in the Teen Room for 2-player video gaming on Playstation 2 and Playstation 3, highlighting some competitive racing titles.
Board Games for Teens
Fridays, 2:00 – 4:00 pm, July 17th – August 13th, Eaton Room
For ages 11-18. Starting mid-July, the Library invites teens to drop in weekly to “Come learn and try out some fun board games with fellow gaming enthusiasts”.
Youth Nature Club
Bi-weekly on Thursdays, continuing through August 20th, 4:30 – 5:30 pm, Teen Room/Library lawn
Remaining dates this season are: June 25th (today), July 9th, July 23rd, August 6th, and August 20th
For ages 11+. Volunteers are invited to Youth Nature Club! Activities range from working on the gardens on the library grounds, to researching local wildlife, to creating nature-themed crafts and more! Attendance can count toward volunteering. Volunteers do not have to attend all meet ups.
(Contact Marianna Sorensen with any questions at msorensen@southboroughma.com.)
