Summer Reading: Welcome

Theme: Unearth a Story!

6 sessions in the summer. Some weeks we'll craft and read stories, some weeks we have performers!

The Old Forge Library, 220 Crosby Blvd., is pleased to announce its annual Summer Reading Program, part of a statewide initiative designed to keep children reading, learning, and exploring throughout the summer months. This year’s theme is equal parts pre-history and fun!  “Unearth a Story,” invites children to dig into reading, uncover hidden histories, spark their imaginations, and discover new adventures through stories, music, science, crafts, and hands-on creativity.
Programs will be held Thursdays from July 9 -  August 13, from 1:30-3 pm. Each week offers a new theme designed to inspire curiosity, imagination, and a continued love of reading for children and families.

The program begins on July 9 with a Welcome and kickoff celebration. Families will have time for registration and a hands-on introductory activity, Pasta Dino Excavation, where children match pasta “fossils” hidden in sensory bins to dinosaur templates, setting the stage for the summer’s prehistoric theme.

On July 16, Science Heroes brings an energetic, interactive S.T.E.M. experience filled with experiments, audience participation, and high-energy exploration designed to help children discover the excitement of science. The accompanying craft, Spray-Chalk Cave Drawings, invites participants to create prehistoric-inspired artwork using spray chalk on large black paper.

July 23 features Digeridoo Down Under, an engaging program blending Australian music, culture, comedy, and storytelling. Children will also create Dino String Backpacks, decorating drawstring bags with dinosaur stencils and paint pens.

On July 30, Trapped in Time focuses on prehistoric science and imagination. Children will create Tar Pit Slime using a mix of glue, water, coloring, and mix-ins like toy dinosaurs and rocks, and make Amber Fossil Magnets using clear stones, fossil images, and paint pens to capture the look of ancient discoveries.

August 6, Stories Set in Stone, explores prehistoric storytelling and fossil-making. Activities include creating personalized dinosaurs and crafting Salt Dough Fossils, using simple materials like flour, salt, and water to imprint textures and shapes that resemble ancient artifacts.

The program concludes on August 13 with a special finale featuring award-winning singer-songwriter Jared Campbell. The final session includes a celebratory performance followed by the Summer Reading Awards Ceremony, along with book giveaways to recognize participants’ summer reading achievements.

Programs are designed for children ages 4–10, though older children are welcome to participate, and younger children may attend with an adult. Pre-registration is required for any or all sessions. To register, call the library at 315-369-6008 or email oldforge@midyork.org. Attendance at all sessions is encouraged.

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