LIFESTYLE

If you're craving an ocean adventure this summer, start in an unlikely place: the library

Tamela Baker
The Herald-Mail

Got kids?

The summer break will be here before you know it.

How will you keep them occupied during those long summer days and avoid the dreaded "I'm bored!" syndrome?

Don't fret — the Washington County Free Library is rushing to your rescue.

And not just with books. The library has special programs for all age groups, at all branches, throughout the summer.

"We have 'oceans of possibilities,'" quipped Children's Department Supervisor Jeff Ridgeway.

"Oceans of Possibilities" is the theme for this year's Summer Reading Program, and activities throughout the system have been designed to encourage youths to dive into summer learning.

But don't tell them it's learning — just let them have fun.

The Washington County Free Library's Summer Reading Program begins in June, with a whole sea of activities planned for local youth.

The Summer Reading Club (more about that in a minute) begins June 1, but Ridgeway said the Summer Reading Program's official kickoff parties begin the week of June 6. At the Fletcher Branch in downtown Hagerstown, a kickoff event featuring Pacific Rhythm, a family group presenting Polynesian music and dance, is scheduled June 17. They'll also be performing at the Boonsboro Branch.

Here's a sampling of what else will be surfing into library branches this summer (contact your local branch for more information about times and events; not all activities will be presented at each branch, and some require registration):

  • Science in the Library: Oceanography — Elementary-age children can learn about oceans and marine life with teacher Kathleen Bono. Ridgeway said this is a two-day program that will be offered at seven branches.
  • Authentic Community Theatre — This local theater group will present a show about a pirate named Arrchie who meets a mermaid — and becomes a fish!
  • The Science Guys of Baltimore — They'll present a program all about waves; ocean waves, sound waves and light waves. They'll even change the waves of a few participants' voices.
  • The National Aquarium Presents: Sharks! — Aquarium staff will travel to Washington County from Baltimore to give the real story behind these creatures while dispelling myths. They promise a hands-on session, too. (Don't worry, Mom; hands-on with artifacts, not real live sharks …)
  • Maryland Chamber Winds Presents: The Story of The Curious Whale — An interactive children's concert June 18 at the Fletcher Branch in downtown Hagerstown.
  • Oceans of Possibilities Puppet Show — Featuring the hand puppets of the WCFL Players. In addition to the show, participate in an interactive reader's theater, make a craft and visit the Bookmobile.
  • Storywalks — Two storywalks, featuring "Grains of Sand" by Sibylle Delacroix and "Hello Ocean" by Pam Muñoz Ryan, will be traveling around the county this summer.
  • Teen programs — Crafts including bath bombs, tie-dyed shirts and bandanas and a perpetual aquarium, and activities including a game night and a Bermuda Triangle-themed escape room.
  • Storytimes, music, crafts, movies and more — Each branch is planning special events and activities; check with your local branch to see what's on tap.
  • Passport to Reading — Why confine yourself to one branch? Visit all of them, and find Sneaks the Cat. Tell the librarian what ocean animal Sneaks is with and get a stamp on your passport. Get at least five to be entered to win a prize at the end of the summer.
Read a book, buy a shirt — special summer reading T-shirts, displayed here by Children's Department Supervisor Jeff Ridgeway, are available for $5.

And of course, there's the Summer Reading Club. From pre-school to teens, young readers can track their reading, win prizes and earn activities badges for raffle tickets.

Early Literacy raffle prizes include:

  • A family membership to Discovery Station
  • Four tickets to the National Aquarium in Baltimore
  • A Lego Duplo set
  • A gift card to Ready, Set, Play in Hagerstown!

Children can enter drawings for the following prizes:

  • A family membership to Discovery Station
  • Four tickets to the National Aquarium in Baltimore
  • A Lego City set
  • An art set
The library's Summer Reading Club for kids and adults begins June 1.

Teen raffle prizes include gift cards to:

  • Pretzel and Pizza Creations
  • Michael's
  • Tilt Studios
  • 2nd & Charles

All winners will be announced the first week of September.

(Adults, you're not being left out — there's a Summer Reading Club for you, too, with prizes and raffle drawings. If you have kids, read along with them!)

More information on the Summer Reading Club is available at washcolibrary.beanstack.org.

You can check out more than books at the library. Children's Department Supervisor Jeff Ridgeway displays a kit loaded with books and activities families can borrow.

Oh, and if by the end of the summer you're bored with oceans, Ridgeway's got you covered. The library's Comic Con is coming Aug. 6.

"That's where we celebrate all things comic," Ridgeway said, winking.

For more information on summer children's programs at the library, visit the website at www.washcolibrary.org/.