DERRY — Children all over town are spending time this summer reading, making crafts and learning the importance of their local libraries.
The annual summer reading schedule of events is in full swing at both Derry Public and Taylor libraries, and hundreds of young participants and their families are finding fun things to do during the warm weeks ahead.
This year, the summer program focuses on the Land Down Under — Australia — entertaining children while they learn more about the continent's animals, music and other culture.
Taylor Library Director Linda Merrill said a main strength of the tiny East Derry library is its children's programming, and the summer events are well attended, with many programs held outdoors in the library's picnic grove, due to lack of interior space at the small building on the hill.
"Our children's programming is off the charts all the time," Merrill said, adding many program are held year-round and fill up quickly, including regular story hours.
"Our strength is definitely our children's programs," she said.
Upcoming summer programs at Taylor include the popular Genius Kit program, with children invited to pick up their kits on July 7. Children will then assemble the items in the kit and bring back their original creations on Genius Kit awards night on July 24 at 6:30 p.m. The popular Carnival Night is set for July 8 at the library, and on July 10, children are asked to stop by the library dressed for the Outback and special bedtime stories.
The Derry Public Library's summer schedule includes many events and programs for children wanting to learn about Australia. On July 9 at 2 p.m., the library offers a didgeridoo workshop with Joseph Carringer. Another program is scheduled for that day at 6 p.m. Children can learn to make this Australian musical instrument.
Derry Public Library also offers activities and programs for its teen readers during the summer including an "open mic" night for aspiring writers in grades six to 12 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the library's meeting room, side B. The teen reading program ends on Aug. 22 with a party in MacGregor Park.
Complete schedules of events are available for each library. Call for information for Derry Public Library at 432-6140; Taylor Library, 432-7186.
