Fizz, Boom Read! Greenwich Library's Summer Reading Program for Kids

The theme of this year’s Library sponsored Summer Reading Program is Fizz, Boom, Read! Grab your lab coat and get some safety glasses because this summer is all about science, music and more. Greenwich Library invites you to join the fun and keep your children reading during vacation so that valuable reading and comprehension skills won't be lost.

The Summer Reading Program at the Main Library features a variety of entertaining and informative programs over a six-week period. Special events include a summer reading kick-off with family entertainer and magician Bryan Flint; two exciting hands-on science programs with Ms. Lauren; live animals from Green Meadows Farm; combustion, lasers and weird science with the Science Genie; I Spy Photography with Craig Norton; a music program for the youngest patrons; and a grand finale performance by Crabgrass Puppet Theatre.

Register in person or online beginning Monday, June 16 through Aug. 1. Using Summer Reader online, children can track progress and receive special alerts about events and reading milestone prizes. This online tool makes it easy for kids to keep up with summer reading wherever they are. Children can also track their summer reading while playing the R U CURIOUS? game for a chance to win weekly prizes and to enter the grand prize raffle.

At registration, each child in grades K-6 will receive summer reading materials, registration prizes and the first set of R U CURIOUS? clues. Children who are reading independently are welcome to join the Summer Reading Program. Children who are not yet reading will receive weekly reading logs and a chance to win small prizes from the Treasure Chest when they join the Read-To-Me Club.

The following special events are in addition to regularly scheduled summer programs and are supported by the Friends of Greenwich Library. Check the Children’s Room calendar for additional summer story times, drop-in programs, book clubs,  pre-school music and movement and Stories in the Park (on Wednesdays in the Bruce Park Gazebo).

WHAT: Summer Reading Program Kickoff at Greenwich Library: Brian Flint’s “The Magic of Reading”

WHEN:  Saturday, June 21, at 2 p.m.

WHERE: Cole Auditorium, Greenwich Library, 101 W. Putnam Ave. 

DETAILS: Family entertainer Bryan Flint of Showtime Productions in Connecticut will magically motivate young people to read after experiencing "The Magic of Reading" program. Bryan has traveled all over southern New England presenting his unique magic shows that inspire children to discover the magic that exists in books. Highlights of the show include floating an audience member and a re-creation of Houdini’s most famous illusion, "Metamorphosis." Door prizes and refreshments will follow the performance. Open to ages 4 and up, at no charge, no tickets needed. Doors open at 1:45 p.m. Call the Children’s Room at (203) 622-7940 or visit www.greenwichlibrary.org/children for more information.

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WHAT: Summer Reading Program at Greenwich Library: Hands-on Science with Ms. Lauren

WHEN:  Saturday, June 28, at 11 a.m. and Saturday, July 26, at 11 a.m.

WHERE: Children’s Room, Greenwich Library

DETAILS:  Join Ms. Lauren for amazing hands-on science experiments. Saturday, June 28: explore the wonders of engineering. Saturday, July 26: make a geo-dome. Programs limited to 25 children, ages 6-10. Arrive early to sign-in at the Children’s Room Desk. Call the Children’s Room at (203) 622-7940 or visitwww.greenwichlibrary.org/children for more information.

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WHAT: Summer Reading Program at Greenwich Library: Stories in the Park

WHEN:  Wednesdays, July 2 – August 6, 10:30 a.m.        

WHERE:  Gazebo, Bruce Park Playground

DETAILS:  Join us for a half-hour of songs, stories and action rhymes at the Bruce Park playground Gazebo across from the Bruce Museum. In case of inclement weather, story time will be held in Greenwich Library Children's Room (decision made by 9:30am). Families welcome. Call the Children’s Room at (203) 622-7940 or visit www.greenwichlibrary.org/children for more information.

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WHAT: Summer Reading Program at Greenwich Library: The New Children’s Museum of West Hartford: Science Genie

WHEN:  Saturday, July 12, at 11 a.m.

WHERE:  Cole Auditorium, Greenwich Library

DETAILS: Enjoy an interactive show from The Science Genie. Learn about what makes a laser different from a normal light. Watch experiments with invisible ultraviolet light, bending laser beams and a high powered musical finale. Learn about combustion heat, matter and the fire triangle. Brace yourself for experiments like the flaming vortex and the chemical cannon! And last but not least, explore the world of weird science - the screaming stick, the electric pickle and flying French fries. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. Open to ages 5-12 and their families at no charge, no tickets needed. Call the Children’s Room at (203) 622-7940 or visit www.greenwichlibrary.org/children for more information.

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WHAT: Summer Reading Program at Greenwich Library: Silly Song Sing-A-Long with Edward Leonard 

WHEN: Tuesday July 15, at 11 a.m.

WHERE:  2nd Floor Meeting Room, Greenwich Library

DETAILS:  A Silly Song Sing-A-Long is a mix of popular children's songs, interactive musical games, dance, movement, and rhythms for children (and their grown-up friends). Join in the fun and sing, dance, and act silly as Edward Leonard plays guitar, drums, and has a grab bag of musical surprises and gags. This program is educational, creative and entertaining, a perfect quality time event for parents, caregivers, and children. Open to families with children age 2 and up at no charge, no registration required. However, space is limited so arrive early to sign-up. Call the Children’s Room at (203) 622-7940 or visit www.greenwichlibrary.org/children for more information.

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WHAT: Summer Reading Program at Greenwich Library: Stick, Fizz, Hiss, Boom! Meet Live Animals from Green Meadows Farm 

WHEN: Saturday, July 19, at 11 a.m.

WHERE: 2nd Floor Meeting Room, Greenwich Library

DETAILS:  Stick, Fizz, Hiss & Boom! Jason from Green Meadows Farm brings frogs, bugs, a guinea pig, hedgehog, rabbit and more animals from the farm. Learn about the animals, life on the farm, see the weather balloon and how it's used in farming, and of course pet the animals! This program is open to children age 4 and up and their families at no charge. No registration required, but space is limited so arrive early. Call the Children’s Room at (203) 622-7940 or visit www.greenwichlibrary.org/children for more information.

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WHAT: Summer Reading Program at Greenwich Library: Create Your Own I Spy Photography Workshop

WHEN:  Monday, July 28, at 4 p.m.  (Required Registration begins July 7)

WHERE: 2nd Floor Meeting Room, Greenwich Library

DETAILS:  Professional photographer and 2012 Connecticut "Teaching Artist of The Year" Craig Norton will offer a photography workshop for kids ages 8-12. Participants will create and photograph their own I Spy scene made with small objects in the style of Walter Wick whose famed “I Spy” books have intrigued children for decades. Bring your own digital camera or tablet which can take photos. Cameras will be available for those who do not have their own. Registration begins on July 7. Call or come to the Library to sign-up. Open to all at no charge, ages 8-12. Call the Children’s Room at (203) 622-7940 or visit www.greenwichlibrary.org/children for more information.

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WHAT: Summer Reading Program Finale at Greenwich Library: Finale - Crabgrass Puppet Theatre’s “The Pirate, the Princess and the Pea”

WHEN:  Saturday, August 2, at 11 a.m.

WHERE:  Cole Auditorium, Greenwich Library

DETAILS:   Crabgrass Puppet Theatre presents a swashbuckling story that will delight children of all ages. Join the Pirate and Princess as they set off on an amazing voyage chock full of sea monsters, surprises and hilarious adventures. Come see who will be the first to find the treasure. Summer Reading Program grand prize raffle winners will be announced. Door prizes and refreshments provided by Whole Foods will follow the performance. Recommended for ages 4 and up, no charge, no tickets needed. Doors open at 10:45am.  Call the Children’s Room at (203) 622-7940 or visit www.greenwichlibrary.org/children for more information.