From the Board of Commissioners

Ah! Summertime and the livin' is ...busy! At the Community Center, summer programs for kids are in full swing these days. The "standard bearer" activity Camp Rainbow is operating at capacity and the Aston Public Library has plenty of activities for kids of all ages.

The library's  "summer reading programs" coordinated by Lauren Longbottom under the Commonwealth’s general theme of "Get A Clue" began in June and continues through mid-August. The depth and variety of these programs are truly amazing. The special reading programs are combined with delightful entertainment, which includes storytellers, interactive music, ventriloquists, and magicians. The ecstatic effect on the kids is worth a price of admission - just to witness it - but these special reading programs are free!

There are 'summer story sessions' designed for infants to five year olds, which include songs and crafts. There are 'science in the summer' events designed for grades 2 through 6. There are movie events on Friday afternoon designed to create interaction among kids, encourage commentary and develop social skills. There's a “plot tots” club for ages 3 and older designed to encourage an interest in gardening.

Laptime sessions are for “2 and under” and provide an early introduction to the library. Kids were standing in the library lobby eagerly waiting for their ‘story time’ to begin. As the doors open, they rush from Mom’s arms to the section of the library that they already recognize as the magical place where stories come to life. They scurry for their favorite books hoping it to be the selection of the day – pointing to it – sharing the sight of its colorful cover with the others over giggles and laughter. Slowly the reader takes her place and the youngsters gather at her

feet, as she begins to spin the tale for which they have waited. As the tale is told, there are glances and giggles shared and queries made by the narrator who calls to the audience and they reply again and again…with each reply louder than the previous and  then more laughter and giggles separated only by an intense concentration on each word spoken…and then…a louder-than-ever and deserved cheer as the story ends - the crowd is ecstatic with the results – “a happy ever after” for sure!

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