Eastham Library outlines summer reading, teen nights and new services

Melanie McKenzie, Eastham Library director, told the town's official podcast that the library's summer reading program runs from the end of June to mid-August and includes events for children, teens and adults.

McKenzie said the calendar includes weekly story times with the Orleans Firebirds in July and community story times with the Eastham Police Department and Fire Department in August, and that the library's summer-reading kickoff traditionally features performers such as Trevor the Juggler. "We give every kid a free book to keep forever when they sign up," McKenzie said, describing the program's outreach and incentives.

The program is open to anyone, McKenzie said: "You actually don't even need to have a library card," and visitors as well as residents can participate. She noted the board of trustees removed resident/nonresident restrictions several years ago to broaden access.

Children who sign up get a reading chart and earn raffle tickets for prize drawings; McKenzie said the library is offering about six prizes this year. Sign-ups remain open through the last day of summer reading, and reading activity for the season counts toward participants' goals.

For teens, the library is scheduling themed teen nights this summer, including an animal-experience night in July and a Taskmaster-themed night in August. Adult programming includes seasonal trivia nights (with locally focused questions), a community-led poetry discussion group and music bingo hosted by the adult services librarian; McKenzie noted music bingo is scheduled for 6 p.m. tomorrow.

The library is also promoting recent service additions. "We have about 24 circulating Wi Fi hotspots that you can check out for a week at a time," McKenzie said, adding that hotspots typically cannot be renewed during the summer because demand is high. In March the library added reservable phone-booth-style study pods that patrons can reserve for two-hour blocks for private calls or remote appointments.

Arts and exhibitions are part of the summer lineup: this month the library is hosting an exhibit by local artist Ken Higgins with an opening reception scheduled just before music bingo, on display in the Greg Craig Turner room and the adjoining Red Gallery; McKenzie encouraged visitors to view exhibits anytime the library is open.

McKenzie credited the Friends group with sponsoring the library's programs: "100% of our programs are sponsored by the friends," she said, noting that whether a program requires registration depends on the vendor and available supplies (for example, a recent teen soap-making class required limited sign-ups because of materials).

All program details, dates and registration information are available on the library's website and are posted on the library's Facebook and Instagram accounts; the library also prints flyers for in-person visitors. McKenzie urged residents and visitors to take advantage of the summer schedule and services.

The podcast episode closed with a reminder that sign-ups continue through the program's final day and an invitation to check the library website for the full calendar.