PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library has a full line-up of summer activities planned for children and families looking to return after a year of mostly online programs.
Starting July 1, children’s librarian Melissa St. Pierre will host a Lego Club, with subsequent meetings on July 2, 8 and 9. Children ages 7-12 will take part in individual and group “challenges” related to a chosen theme. That same age group will also be invited to take part in Kids and Craft days on July 13 and Aug. 17.
The library is hosting their Summer Reading Program throughout the summer. Children can keep track of how many books they read and receive a prize bag with bookmarks, bracelets, toys and other prizes related to literacy.
Local instructor Julie French will host yoga classes at the library for children ages three to five and for those ages 6-10 on July 6, 13, 20 and 27. The classes will utilize music, dance and stories to promote balance and flexibility.
St. Pierre noted that the library’s Fairy Festival on July 24 is the most anticipated event of the summer. Held at Riverside Park, the festival will feature face painting from Wintergreen Arts Center volunteers, live music and costume decorating.
Music in the Garden will take place the following weekend, on July 30, in the library’s literacy garden. The event will showcase vegetables and flowers planted in the garden and feature musicians Mark Shaw on vocals and guitar and Timothy Scheidler on fiddle. St. Pierre will host a special storytime of Beatrix Potter’s “Peter Rabbit.”
The Presque Isle Fire Department will host a fire safety lesson at the library on Aug. 12 at 10 a.m., featuring a demonstration of their safety gear and a fire truck.
With COVID-19 restrictions lifted, the library has also brought back in-person Family Storytime every Wednesday and Friday at 11 a.m., located in the newly renovated storytime room. Staff are also encouraging families to get outside and enjoy the library’s StoryWalk, featuring pages from children’s books displayed throughout Mantle Lake Park’s walking trail.
After holding most activities online last year, St. Pierre is relieved to finally restore some normalcy to the library’s busiest season.
“Talking to a camera just isn’t the same [as in-person visits],” St. Pierre said. “It’s great to see how kids react to a story and let them ask questions.”
The Lego Club, Kids and Craft and yoga classes require registration while all other events will be free and open to the public. For information or to register, contact the library at 207-764-2571.
