Looking for a way to keep the kids busy during the summer? Hoping to catch up on social interaction for your teens and yourself? Need help with computers, job services or even social services? Then Kent Memorial Library is the place for you.
This summer, we are ready for you to just come in, browse and read or jump into our summer reading programs, with just a few tweaks to keep everyone safe and well. We have our reading challenges, raffle tickets, giveaways and events, not to mention baskets!
The Summer Reading Program 2021, Tales & Tails, kicks off on June 21!
All departments have been busy as a squirrel in the Spring planning all sorts of reading challenges and events to keep Suffield reading, growing and learning.
All our programs are free thanks to the Friends of Kent Memorial Library, so don’t waste another minute or another dollar. Our books are always free, too.
These instructions apply to children’s, teen’s and the adult programs.
• Register. The program runs from Monday, June 21 through Friday, July 30. If you live in Suffield, you can register for the summer reading program at the front desk, or, online at www.suffield-library.org.
• Read. Read anything and everything you like. Books! (Available at the library) Magazines! (Available at the library!) Audiobooks! (Yes, they count and are available at the library.) Each week that you read – completing a book is not required to make it count – you are eligible to enter a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of the great raffle baskets!
• Have some fun! Register for any or all of our summer programs. We will be drawing the winners of the baskets on July 30.
Summer reading isn’t just about the books, don’t miss our programs!
ALL AGES: Wag Your Tail at the Library
Thursday, June, 24 @3-7p.m. and Friday, June, 25 @10am-1p.m.
Stop by our Main Street entrance to show off your furry friend, get some treats, check out some books on pets, and make some new friends!
ADULT: Tale of a Shake
Thursday, July 8 @ 6 and 6:30p.m.
At Kent Memorial Library
Meet Lindsey from Nutrition Shack of Suffield, and watch her demonstrate a healthy shake in person, and take home a kit to make your own!
ADULT: Books & Beyond Tale
Meet the author Gabrielle Glaser
Thursday, July 15 @7p.m. via Zoom
Gabrielle Glaser will be discussing her debut book American Baby with us via Zoom.
This nonfiction book tells the scandalous truth about postwar adoption in America, told through the bittersweet story of one teenager, the son she was forced to relinquish, and their searches to find each other.
American Baby both illuminates a dark time in our history and shows a path to justice, honesty and reunion that can help heal the wounds inflicted by years of shame and secrecy.
ADULT: Tell Your Tale with a Brush
Paint Night at KML
Wednesday, July 21 at 7p.m.
Take a break from your quarantine routine and join us at the library for a paint night featuring Pam’s Picasso’s studio. Paint a lovely summer scene with step by step instruction by Pam Halligan.
Limited to 15 people to observe social distancing.
ALL AGES: Tales from the Past
Meet the Moore family virtually with the New York City Tenement Museum
Wednesday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom
During a live, online tour, the Tenement Museum Educators will take you into the historically restored apartments and share the story of the Moores who lived in the building in the 19th century.
Travel back to 1860s New York to visit Joseph and Bridget Moore, Irish immigrants living with their children at 97 Orchard Street. We’ll visit their tenement apartment to understand daily life and discuss the Moore’s experiences as Irish New Yorkers.
The Teen and Children’s Department have a full-course of fun planned as well.
TEEN: Gross Soda Day Sign-Up
Thursday, June 21 grade 5-12
The first 24 teens to stop into the library and sign up for Summer Reading can go home with their choice of 12 different Gross Sodas from Avery’s in New Britain. *while supplies last
June 23 1-3 p.m. All ages: KML Goes to the Alpaca Farm/StoryTime with Miss Wendy
Roaring Acres 685 Hale Street, Suffield CT
All ages.
Meet KML at our POP-UP Library at Suffield’s own Alpaca Farm!
Feed and pet the alpacas.
TEENS AND KIDS: Drop-In Craft Tails
Tuesday, June 30 all day
Grades K-12
*until supplies run out
Drop by the Teen/Children’s section for a variety of crafts and surprises.
TEENS: SteamPunk Science
Wednesdays July 7, 14, 21 at 1 p.m.
Grades 5 and up
Solve the puzzles to design your own Steampunk box with Mr. Grimard, science teacher at Suffield High. Please register.
ALL AGES: Tell Your Tale with Sidewalk Chalk Art July 9 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All ages We provide the chalk, you provide the inspiration and design for art on our ramp entrance!.
ALL AGES: Tails with Tales
Riverside Reptiles Comes to KML
Saturday July 17 10:30 a.m. and 11:05 a.m.
All ages
Join one of the Riverside educators as they introduce you to some scaly ambassadors that call our center home. You’ll meet interesting animals with tails or that have a story to tell! Please register online.
KIDS: Sidewalk Obstacle Course, Follow the Tails
July 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thanks so much to our teen volunteers for making this past year a success with virtual teen programs! Have a great summer, Katy Finnigan, Sarah Whitehouse, Connor Boudreau and Quinn Boudreaux!