Summer programming is in full swing at the Hamburg Public Library on North Third Street, but it is not too late for readers to join in on the fun. Children who participate can earn prizes, attend special programs and – not coincidentally – read lots of books.
The theme for this year’s program is “Every Hero has a Story.” Now through Saturday, Aug. 15, readers can sign up for a reading log to track the books they read. Each week, children should return to the library with their log to receive a weekly prize. They can also accumulate tickets for every five books read for the chance to win larger prizes at the end of the program.
Special programs are also planned to keep kids excited about reading. A performance by the Yocum Institute Teen Players, “Miss Electricity,” was held on June 17 at the Hamburg Strand. This program was free to the public; future free offerings include “Super Heroes of Science” by the Sciencetellers on Wednesday, July 15 at 1:30 p.m., and “The Heroes Read Storybooks” by Giggle Magic on Wednesday, July 29, at 1:30 p.m.
In addition, a “Super Hero Training Camp” will be held at the library on June 30, July 7 and July 21 at 6:30 p.m. Themes for each night will be Power Practice, Protecting Against Evil and Flying Lessons.
The summer reading program is a long-time tradition at the Hamburg library, Children’s Librarian Donna Sweigert confirms. The themes and incentives may vary, but the motive remains the same: “We want kids to want to read,” Sweigert said. “We just love books, and we want them to love books, too.”
During the summer months, the preschool StoryRiders time will also follow the super hero theme. Coming up is “Meet the Fire Chief” on Wednesday, July 8 at 11 a.m. On July 15, preschoolers will learn about Animal Heroes. Programs in August will include meeting the police chief and a special super-hero training camp for the preschool set.
Sweigert and Library Director Dan LaRue note that children who love to read often continue to read as teens and adults. And the Hamburg library has ongoing programs for teens, including a Creative Writing class initiated by teenagers that meets the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the library. The group is also open to adults.
“We’d like to have more for the teens,” Sweigert said, “and maybe one day we can hire someone to take over that. Or someone could volunteer.” She added that the local library has an excellent collection of books and other materials for teens and young adults.
An adult book-discussion club meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. in the library. Readers may call (610-562-2843) or email (hamburgpl@berks.lib.pa.us) for the current book selection.
The Hamburg Public Library is housed in a historic, two-winged brick building designed for the library when it opened in 1904. The building was funded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Today, the library holds over 18,000 items in its collection including books, periodicals, movies and music. Computers are available for use. One wing holds the children’s room, separated into age categories and including tables, comfortable chairs and carpeted areas for reading.
Approximately four thousand patrons have a Hamburg Public Library card, and since the library is part of the greater Berks County library system, they can request materials found at the 22 other libraries in this system as well as access a range of online periodicals and resources. E-book selections are also available.
For more information on programs including summer reading at the library, please visit the library at 35 North Third Street, Hamburg. The library is open every day except Sunday; a posting of hours is available at www.berks.lib.pa.us/hamburgpl.
