By Julie Huss
CHESTER — The Chester Public Library is gearing up for a fun summer full of reading events, activities, contests, and prizes for all ages.
Under the leadership of new director Tim Sheehan, the library's annual summer reading program for 2009 includes book groups, story times, contests, special guests and events, and much more.
Signups for the summer program begin on June 30.
Sheehan began his tenure as new director a few weeks back and is offering library patrons a friendly wager: If the total number of books read equals the town's population of 4,712, he will dress up as the favorite literary character of a summer reading program participant, to be chosen at random.
During his earlier job at the Derry Public Library as teen/reference librarian, Sheehan once died his hair bright orange as part of the summer reading program.
The library's annual visual arts contest also continues through 2009. Aspiring artists, ages 9-15, will have a chance to compete in the following categories: drawing, photography, and poetry. Prizes will be awarded.
The following events are scheduled at the Chester Public Library:
June 23, adult summer reading program signups begin.
June 30, children and teens sign up for summer program. Visual arts contest begins.
July 1, 7 p.m., Book Gossip for adults.
July 2, Movies about the Chincoteague horse race play all day at library.
July 3, library is closed for holiday weekend.
July 7, 10:30 a.m., Storytime on "camping out."
July 8, 7 p.m., Around the World in One Hour, program for families.
July 9, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Anime Time for grades 5-12.
July 14, 10:30 a.m., Storytime on "dogs."
July 15, 3:30 p.m., Wildlife Encounters traveling zoo with live animals.
July 16, 2 to 4 p.m., Video Game Creation for grades 4-12.
July 21, 10:30 a.m., Storytime.
July 22, 6:45 p.m., visual arts feedback time, participants share their work.
July 28, 10:30 a.m., storytime
July 29, last day to signup for summer reading program awards party.
Aug. 4, 6 p.m., summer reading program awards party.
Aug. 12, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Day.
Aug. 17, Game Day, bring favorite board games to the library.
For information about any programs at the Chester Public Library, call Sheehan at 887-3404. Summer hours are Monday, 3 to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, 3 to 8 p.m., Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 1 to 5 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
