Summer Reading Incentive Program for Children and Tweens!
Our summer reading theme Plant a Seed - Read! is designed to inspire children to read and explore all summer long! Just as farms grow food to nourish our bodies, libraries grow ideas that nourish our minds. The Summer Reading Incentive Program runs from June 15 through September 15.
Stop by the East Lyme Public Library Children’s Room on or after June 15 to register and pick up a Summer Reading tote bag and reading log. Fill out the reading log as you read, then visit the Library to show us your progress and earn a prize from our Treasure Chest! There is also an online version of the program at eastlymelibrary.readsquared.com.
For High School Students:
We have a Summer Reading Incentive Program just for you! More information will be available soon. Visit the Circulation Desk to pick up your Reading Log on or after June 15.
Free Family Fun Events at McCook Park!
Free Family Fun Events are Co-Sponsored with East Lyme Parks & Recreation
Tuesdays, 7:00pm to 7:45pm
June 23 - August 11
Located at McCook Point Park Bandshell
Bring a picnic and a blanket or chairs to relax and enjoy our free family entertainment! There is a different performer each week, all geared for families with children. Parking at McCook Point Park is free after 5pm.
Our programs are free to all thanks to the generosity of library patrons who have donated to our annual fund. Thank you for your support!
Registration for Free Family Fun Events is not necessary. However, doing so will enable you to receive an email notification of a location or program status change in the case of inclement weather. If you did not register and want to check the event status, please call 860-739-6926 ext. 2 or check our Instagram or Facebook page after 5pm on the night of the event.
Summer Workshops for Kids and Young Adults
We are thrilled to offer free weekly workshops in July for kids ages three through 13! Please review the offerings below and be sure to register, as space is limited.
The CT Summer Story Project enables us to collaborate with local storytellers and artists to provide students with the tools to develop their own narrative skills. Students entering grades 5-8 are invited to register for these special programs.
Stress Busters is a new approach to summer worskshops for teens. The East Lyme Public Library has received a grant from the CT State Library to offer this week-long series in partnership with the East Lyme Department of Y outh, Family, and Human Services, and the Brian Dagle Foundation. Students entering grades 5-8 are welcome to register for one day or all five! Space is limited and programs are free.
Family Story Strolls are new guided, outdoor programs for families with young children to enjoy a story and short adventure in nature. On Saturday, August 29 we will meet at Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve at 9:00am to explore what’s hiding under rocks in the stream. Wear shoes that can get wet but are still good for walking on uneven trails. This program is free and registration is required, as space is limited.
Mermaid Storytime
Enjoy stories and songs with a mermaid! Miss Rebecca reads, tells stories, and leads sing-alongs at Hole-in-the-Wall Beach. Recommended for ages 2-6, but all ages are welcome! Co-sponsored by East Lyme Parks and Recreation. If you need a temporary beach pass, visit the Children’s Department of the East Lyme Public Library. In case of inclement weather, the storytime will be held at the Library. Please call the Library at 860-739-6926 ext.2 or check the Library’s Instagram or Facebook pages for updates.
Thursdays, 10:00am to 10:30 am
June 25 - August 13
Located at Hole-in-the-Wall Beach. No registration necessary but doing so will enable you to receive an email notification with location change information in the case of inclement weather.
NEW at the Library!
STEAM BINS are available for play during your next visit! STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) toys make learning fun. There are six toys to choose from, and each includes challenge cards so you and your child can learn engineering basics, balance, pattern recognition, and so much more while playing. Most of our STEAM Bins contain small parts are are appropriate for kids ages 3 and up. These kits are for Library play only; they are not available for check out. Please visit the Children’s Library Desk to start playing!
Storybook Trail
Perimeter of Samuel M. Peretz Park at Bridebrook
Children can enjoy the summer sunshine and a fun story while walking (or running!) along our Storybook Trail! The book of pet poetry by Betsy Franko, A Dazzling Display of Dogs, illustrated by Michael Wertz, will remain up through mid-May. Our featured book for the summer will be the bilingual picture book Book Fiesta by Pat Mora, illustrated by Rafael Lopez. After enjoying the Storybook Trail, visit us in the Library Children’s Room and tell us the password from within the stories to win a small prize!
Nature Backpacks, Story Puppet Kits, and Children’s Puzzles
Check out your own adventure! These items can be checked out just like a book for three weeks. Browse the puzzles, kits, and backpacks in the Children’s Room.
Nature Backpacks! Bird Watching, Hiking, and Signs of Wildlife backpacks include binoculars and child-friendly field guides for family adventures.
Activity Kit! Road Trip Backpacks keep your kids entertained all summer long, whether on long car rides, during endless siblings’ sport practices, or on rainy days.
Story Puppet Kits: Over 30 kits to choose from! All kits include at least one book and either a puppet or stuffed animal related to the story.
Puzzles! We now circulate children’s floor and jigsaw puzzles ranging from 24 to 300 pieces.
Take-And-Make Craft Kits
Craft kits are designed by our volunteers for ages 4 - 8 to complete at home. They are available starting the first Friday of each month while supplies last in the Children’s Room.