A Fabulous Summer Learning Season is Underway!
 Thank you to everyone who came out for our Summer Learning Kickoff earlier this month. We had beautiful weather, and it was a joyful community event, made possible by the enthusiasm for lifelong learning shared by all of our sponsors, volunteers, and attendees. In the two-hour event, over 200 people signed up for our Summer Learning program, and less than two weeks later, we are approaching 300 participants committed to a summer of learning at the library! The summer is shaping up to be fabulous!
Please feel free to contact me any time at jperrin@townofjaffrey.com.
Kind regards, Julie M. Perrin, Library Director - a.k.a. Ms. Julie
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Our Summer Learning BINGO Challenges incorporate multiple literacies. Our Cutter Creativity Wall and Play-a-Story activities offer countless opportunities for creative play, reading and writing, and even public speaking as participants share their creations in the Author's Chair. Other activities for all ages (babies through adults) include Poetry challenges, activities that develop technological literacy, like Code Club Remastered and STEAM Lab, and engagement with local history via our Time Machine challenge! There's no limit to what you can learn at the library. Just a reminder that ALL of our programs are FREE and open to the public, although some do require registration so that we can plan staffing and supplies.
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Am I too young or too old for Code Club and STEAM Lab? (And what are they exactly?)
In general, no one is too young or too old to learn! We find that inter-generational learning is full of surprises, wonderful interactions and mentoring opportunities, as we all learn together.
Code Club Remastered meets every Tuesday, now through August 6 at 3 - 5 pm
STEAM Lab meets every Thursday, now through August 8 at 3 - 5 pm
 This summer, our grant-funded Code Club is expanding to include coding challenges suitable for all ages, using not only computers and iPads, but also Legos, blocks, and other fun tools and educational toys like Robot Turtles, Cubetto and Ozobots to help coders learn how to make video games, apps, websites and more! No one is too young or too old for Code Club Remastered! Caregiver participation required for children under 6. Adults are also welcome to explore coding in this family-friendly environment! Thanks to the Jaffrey Food Pantry, we are also able to offer a snack space during Code Club. This program does not require registration and you don't need to stay the full two hours -- This is flexible learning!
 STEAM Lab is also a weekly program, which offers different themes. This summer we are running four 3D STEAM Labs, using TinkerCAD and our 3D printer, along with hands-on no-tech 3D modeling, and 3D pens. We also have four additional STEAM Labs on the following featured topics: Electricity, Upcycling, Kitchen Chemistry, and Ultimate STEAM! These programs DO require registration and are open to all ages, even adults. Caregiver participation required for children under 10. Please call the library at 603-532-7301 or visit our Event Calendar to register.
We are excited to be hosting both of these programs in our new Collaborative Learning Space on the ground Floor. Our new big screen and new technology are made possible from our STEAM Learning grant from Millipore Sigma. The Lab on the Main Floor will also remain open for passive activities and Maker Toys, even while these programs are in session.
Our Summer Learning programs would not be possible without the generous grants and donations from Millipore Sigma and individual donors who sponsored the addition of STEAM and Learning Assistants to our summer staff. These kinds of programs require a lot of staff to plan and execute, and our sponsored learning assistant program provides jobs and a mentoring experience for our local youth while allowing us to bring you these great programs. Thank you for your generous support!
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Folk & Pop Songs of the 50s and 60s.
Thursday, July 18 at 11 am at the Jaffrey VFW
 The Jaffrey Public Library brings you Volkert Volkersz, singer/songwriter/guitarist to perform Folk and Pop Songs of the 50s and 60s at the HCS Friendly Meals at the Jaffrey VFW.
Volkert Volkersz has written more than 30 songs and guitar instrumentals since retiring and moving from Washington State to New Hampshire in 2016. His songs are inspired by the mountains, wildlife and people of his new home in the Granite State, as well his memories of the life he left behind in the Pacific Northwest. When not performing his originals, Volkert’s repertoire includes a heavy dose of folk and pop music from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. His influences include Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul and Mary, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor, John Denver, John Fahey, and many more. He recently hosted a tribute sing-along concert featuring the songs of Carole King.
Volkert plays 6 and 12-string guitars, baritone guitar, harmonica, Irish bouzouki, and other instruments. His songs cover topics including gratitude, gun violence, aging, love, peace, nature, and fruit flies. He has set poems to music by Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Edgar Guest, Samuel Greene, Jack Prelutsky, Swift Corwin and others. Another new song makes a reference to Henry David Thoreau. Two of his songs, recorded in December 2018 have received radio airplay in New England, and on a nationally syndicated folk show.
This all-music event is free and open to the public. Please contact HCS Friendly Meals at 603-352-2253 if you wish to make a reservation for the meal.
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Artist Afternoons and Digital Art
 Everyone is excited for both the return of our ever-popular Artist Afternoons with Ms. Erin and Ms. Eileen, and with the return of Ms. Courtney from Art School to teach us Digital Art!
Both programs will meet at the same times and registration is required. Please call the library at 603-532-7301 or visit our Event Calendar to register.
Fridays - July 19, July 26 and August 2 at 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Artist Afternoon
Calling all young artists! Join Ms. Eileen and Ms. Erin on the Library Lawn to learn about a featured artist, followed by creation time inspired by the week’s highlighted artist. Open to Pre-K (age 4) to Grade 5.
Digital Art
Have you always wanted to make your own comics? Interested in digital art? Sign up for a personalized session with Ms. Courtney to learn how to use the library's graphics tablets, iPads, and selection of software to create your own art. Ideally suited to Grade 5 through adult.
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CLiF Storytelling and Book Giveaway
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Two years ago, these smiling faces were treated to a professional storytelling event with the hilarious Simon Brooks.
Simon Brooks returns to the library on Wednesday, July 31 at 1 pm for a Storytelling and Book Giveaway, thanks to a grant from the Children's Literacy Foundation. CLiF will provide each child with books to take home for their personal libraries!
Please register for a headcount.
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Other Summer Highlights
The best place to find all of our events is on our Event Calendar or you can follow community events from multiple organizations on Burbio. Here are some additional highlights you won't want to miss:
- Water Fun Day! Wednesday, July 17 at 2 pm - It's time for the town's favorite day of water fun and games with Jaffrey Fire Department! We invite the whole family to join us on the library lawn for a chance to meet our local fire crew, participate in relay games, and discover just how powerful that fire hose is. This is a family event. Be sure to bring your sunscreen and a towel.
- Weekly Lab Crafts! - A new craft and story selection prepared by Ms. Linda appears every Monday and stays for your drop-in enjoyment all week in the Lab.
- Weekly Cutter Creativity Wall Activities! -- Llama Llama, All that Drama! -- What dramatic play awaits on our magnetic stage? So far, the farm animals have played pirates, princesses and dragons, but each week brings new drama to the library. You'll have to visit every week to find out what's next. (Who knows what those librarians will be wearing as they join in the fun!)
- Mahjong Mondays - Every Monday at 1 pm - Sharpen your mind with Mahjong, a time honored game of strategy. Join us in a non-competitive, friendly atmosphere where you can learn to play Mahjong or practice/perfect your game. Mahjong enthusiasts of all levels and ages welcome.
- As the Page Turns - While many of our book clubs take a summer break, our monthly book discussion group for adults continues, with the next meeting on Monday, July 8 at 2 pm in the Bean Room of the library. Each month, a different book group member leads the discussion.
- Pajama Storytime - Tuesdays at 6:30 pm - Planned with working parents in mind, this early evening Storytime is open to all ages. Wear your PJs and unwind from the busy summer days.
- Lunch Bunch Storytime - Wednesdays at Noon (Except July 31 when we host Simon Brooks at 1 pm! ) - Pack a lunch and head out to the library lawn for an hour of stories and movement for the whole family. Don't forget your sunblock, a picnic blanket, or any other supplies to keep you happy out in the sun! This is a "Shine Only" event and will not take place during inclement weather.
- Summer Finale with Wildlife Encounters -- Save the date! Friday, August 9 at 6:30 pm - Calling all animal lovers! Wildlife Encounters returns to Jaffrey, with all NEW exciting and exotic animals, some from North America and others from across the globe! Earn our “Wild Reader” achievement for reserved front row seats for up-close interaction!
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Bookapalooza begins to make its way into the community!
This week, Linda Harris from Shelter from the Storm picked up her first batch of books from our Bookapalooza grant. We are excited that 60 new books are now in the hands of the children and families served by Shelter from the Storm. Thank you, once again to the Association for Library Services to Children!
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Have you seen our new Learning Garden?
This summer, thanks to the generosity of donors and sponsors, the Goodnow Street side of the library is being transformed into a permaculture garden, with fruit trees, pollinators, berry bushes, and more, as a restful place to learn about ecology. Katsura Lanscaping is fulfilling our librarian ecoliteracy dreams.
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Are you ready to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing?
 Watch for a new lobby slideshow and display, along with new books and films for all ages.
If you have memorabilia or space models that you would like to share in our locked display cabinet, contact Julie. Photo credit: NASA
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Summer Closures
- Thursday, July 4 - Independence Day
- Saturday, July 27 - Enjoy Riverfest!
- Tuesday, August 20 - Closed 1 - 4 pm for Strategic Planning Work Session; Open that day 4 - 7 pm only.
- Monday, September 2 - Labor Day
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