CARIBOU, Maine — The Caribou Public Library has begun summer reading programs for all ages, and offers reading logs for all, from babies to adults.
Children through elementary age can win prizes for participation, the most books read, and best attendance at children’s programs.
Children’s librarian, Erin Albers, said the theme for this summer’s weekly programs is “music.” Stories and activities will cover topics including instruments, the sounds of nature, music genres, reading music, visits from local musicians and more.
Weekly programs are planned from July 9 to Aug. 15 for the following age groups: elementary school, Mondays, 3-3:45 p.m.; preschoolers, Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m.; and babies up to 24 months, Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m.
Teens (grade 7 and up) will earn a scratch-off ticket for each book read; they should bring their book to get a ticket, which they can scratch to win prizes. Non-winning tickets will go into a monthly drawing for two prize baskets in July and August.
In keeping with the music theme, weekly “concerts” will be available via QR codes, so participants should bring smartphone or tablets and headphones with them to the library to enjoy the music, and listen to a different genre each week.
Adults may pick up a Bingo card at the library’s front desk. Once they complete a BINGO, they may turn in the card to be entered in monthly drawings for July and August.
In addition to the music-themed reading programs, a special bat echolocation program for ages 4 and above will be held on Wednesday, July 25th from 3:30-4:30 pm.
Also, the library plans two upcoming Saturday programs from 10 to 11 a.m. for children ages 4 and older. Titled Bound for Books: A Book Arts Series for Kids, each program introduces the children to a unique and creative way of making books. July 14 will cover papyrus roll books, while the Aug. 4 session will explore single-sheet books.
Because the library is closed on Saturdays during the summer, children and their parents will enter through the exterior Caribou Room door where the programs will be held.
To sign up for any of the programs, call the library at 493-4214 or visit at 30 High Street.
