Children's Programs
Summer Reading Program
Visit the library to unearth some great stories this summer! The national theme “Unearth a Story” gives super ideas for celebrating reading with dinosaurs, fossils, archeaology, rocks, gems, and every geological wonder under the ground!
This year an online summer reading tracking system makes its debut: BEANSTACK! For the first time, kids will be able to track their reading minutes and earn digital badges. Then they can visit the library to collect their rewards (and stock up on more books)!
Starting June 1, with grownup assistance, you may go to Beanstack—through the link above, via QR codes posted at the library, or by simply searching for Beanstack online and searching for McBride Memorial Library—and register for summer reading. Immediately you will be able to begin logging reading time and reading activities to earn badges and read (or stomp!) your way through dinosaur species or dinosaur history. What’s YOUR favorite dinosaur?
The program offers two levels for children: Early Literacy for ages 0–5 and Children’s for ages 6–12.
We can’t wait to see you at the library this summer!
The program runs June 1–August 8.
Summer Reading Kickoff Party
Thursday, June 4, 4:00-6:00 pm
Multi-generational program: enjoyable to family members of all ages!
Where? throughout the Library!
Jump into the Summer Reading Program starting at Week #1! The summer theme is dinosaurs, fossils, archaeology, and anything else you can unearth! Visit stations outside and inside the library. Start with a StoryWalk® at the front door, register for summer reading in the memorial garden, then continue through the library to enjoy games, activities, and a calm sensory area.
LEGO Club
First and third Fridays: June 5 & 19, July 17 (no July 4 week):
4:00–5:30pm
Multi-generational program: enjoyable to family members of all ages!
Community Room, second floor
A LEGO-building get together for kids, teens, and their families. Each gathering presents a new creative challenge, while freestyle building is also encouraged.
Story Time
Mondays, June 1–August 3
11:30am
Ages 0–4
Community Room, second floor
Join other children for a delightful and traditional story time featuring read aloud tales, songs, fingerplays, movement activities, and a hands-on project.
Books & Barkers
Mondays: June 8 & 22 and July 13 & 27
3:00-5:00pm
Ages 6–12
Children’s Library, second floor
Dogs are very good listeners and offer a judgement-free environment that boosts children’s confidence, fluency, and motivation, especially for reluctant or shy readers. Certified therapy dogs will be at the library this summer! Reserve your 15-minute one-on-one time slot at the time of the event.
Science Heroes at the Library: DIGGING IT!
Thursday, June 11
2:00 pm
Ages 5—12
Second Floor Community Room
The Science Heroes network of enthusiastic teaching artists will present the interactive science program DIGGING IT!
- Harness the power of pressure and energy with Toilet Tornado™!
- Experiment with physical vs chemical changes with Disappearing Polymer™!
- Observe the effects of physical explosions, angles, and trajectory with Hydro-Cannon™!
- And more!
If you didn’t already love science, you’ll really ‘dig it’ after experiencing Science Heroes!
Like all Science Heroes programs, DIGGING IT! features tons of audience interaction and opportunities for children to volunteer.
Craft It! Junior
Second and fourth Fridays: June 12 & 26, July 10 & 24
4:00-5:30 pm
For Kids and Teens, ages 5–18
Second Floor Community Room
A crafting get-together for kids and their families. Share together-time creating a fun, seasonal project presented by library staff.
Bright Star Touring Theatre DINO ACADEMY with Dino Puppets
Friday, June 19
12:00 pm
Ages 5—12
Second Floor Community Room
DINO ACADEMY: A DINOSAUR DISCOVERY ADVENTURE.
This one-of-a-kind production blends History, Social Studies, and STEM in a way that’s as entertaining as it is educational. Guiding us on this fossil-filled adventure is none other than the delightfully quirky Dr. Sarah Tops. With boundless curiosity and a knack for storytelling, Dr. Tops leads the audience through mind-blowing dino facts, jaw-dropping discoveries, and a few hilarious surprises along the way. But the real stars of the show? The dinosaurs themselves! The life-like, colorful dino puppets don’t just walk onto the stage—they stomp, roar, and completely steal the show.
Library at the Farmers Market
Saturday, June 27
8:00 am–12:00 pm
400 Fowler Avenue, Berwick
Visit the library at the Farmers Market: register for the Summer Reading program, work on a kids’ activity, and shop the used book sale.
“Unearth a Story” Gathering of Readers
Thursday, July 9
4:00–6:00 pm
Multi-generational program: enjoyable to family members of all ages!
Where? throughout the Library!
Celebrate the summer theme of dinosaurs and the prehistoric world. Visit activity stations outside and inside the library:
- Dino Zen Garden
- Play-Doh Fossils
- Pasta Paleontology
- Community Coloring Page
- Dino-Toss
- Watering Hole (Food and Cooling Station)
- Free Books
- Paint with Ice
Bloomsburg Children’s Museum presents “Fabulous Fossils” Fossil Dig
Thursday, July 16
12:00 pm
Ages 6–12
Second Floor Community Room
Go on a fossil dig, learn about how fossils are formed, and make a fossil necklace. Registration is required; space is limited. Ages 6 and up.
Call 570-752-2241 to register.