The Library Vault

Where can you find live baby chicks, a llama, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, nature center visits, an air hockey table, and a petting zoo … all for free?!

Russell Library’s Summer of Adventure kicks off with the Country Quilt Llama Farm’s Llama Storytime, followed by a Block Party and a hangout with baby chicks born in Russell Library’s kids’ department. That’s just the first day. The rest of the summer, we will be hosting animals of all varieties from throughout the state. You can read to a dog, peer at possums, check out chinchillas, observe owls, look at lizards, watch eggs hatch into chicks (twice), and visit a petting zoo on the South Lawn.

Don’t love animals? That’s OK. Crafternoons are back by popular demand. Nekita Waller will be performing on Saturday, July 20th. On Wednesday, August 14th, come to our Nintendo Switch Play Party. We also have yoga, a jazz quintet from the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, an ice cream social, family bingo, LEGOs, Family Feud-style games, and The Poop Museum. Saturday, June 22nd kicks off our new Parenting Playgroup series, featuring specialists each month in early childhood development such as a local post-partum doula and a sleep specialist. Many of our events include all ages, so bring the family.

We’re also upping our game for young adults. On Saturday, June 22nd, come to our Grand Re-Opening of The Space, which used to be our Teen Room. It’s still for young adults, but now we also have an air hockey table, two iMacs, graphic novels (including manga curated by Dillon), Mega Chess, and other giant games. At our Grand Re-Opening Party, check out our new digs while playing all the games and munching on pizza and popcorn. Events for young adults also this summer also include making candy sushi, Dungeons & Dragons, a Pride Month graphic novel discussion, crochet, a Weird Barbie Art Party, and tie dye. On Friday, June 21st, drop by to listen to local musicians play for Make Music Day all afternoon. If you are a local musician, it’s not too late to sign up.

Of course there will be prizes. Kids twelve and under can sign up for Summer Reading passports in the kids’ department, while folks over the age of 12 can sign up in the Lobby. All kids who sign up receive a passport and stamp to earn prizes for reading and other activities. Adults and young adults also get a passport to earn gift cards. On Saturday, June 15th, from 9am-1pm on June 15th, the first 20 teens and adults who sign up will also receive a free gift. See our Summer of Adventure webpage for prize details. Thanks to the Friends of the Russell Library for sponsoring these events and prizes.

https://russelllibrary.librarycalendar.com/event/dancin-hoops-606The final week before school starts (August 19th-24th) will be our first ever Adventure Week. We know that summer camps are often scarce that week, so spend the day with Russell Library for free instead. Every day from Monday through Saturday will feature special programs for kids, teens, and families sponsored by the City of Middletown and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). We will be hosting the Matica Circus Family Show, Abrakadoodle art workshops, Mr. Magic magic shows, Dancin’ with Hoops, and the Lionheart Puppet Company. Finish the week with Science Saturday and Summer Family Bingo.