When planning activities for the summer, families sometimes overlook some great free programming that is available right in their own “backyard.”
The Palmetto Bay Branch Library at Ludovici Park, 17641 Old Cutler Rd., has a summer reading program and other activities, and branch manager Gabriella Imbimbo wants folks to know that the library is not just a place for kids to check out books, but a kind of community center where people are coming to participate in many different things.
“The summer program is for the whole family, so we have fun challenges for babies, children, teens and adults so everyone can participate in it,” Imbimbo said. “Besides using the library for study, to check out books or audio books, they also make it a destination to get together, take part in our programs and meet new people. Everybody seems to find what they want. They all leave happy.”
For children there is the Reading Ready Toddler Storytime on Fridays through June 25, at 11-11:30 a.m. It’s for ages 19 months to 3 years. The “Wee Wiggle and Sing” program is on Saturday, June 19, 2-3 p.m., for ages 19 months to 5 years. The Summer Fun Club meets on Saturday, June 26, at 2:30-3:30 p.m. It’s for ages 6-11. For teens there’s the next meeting of the Palmetto Bay Writer’s Club on Thursday, June 24, at 4-5 p.m. It’s for ages 12-18. And there’s a Video Game Tournament on Friday, June 25, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., also for ages 12-18.
Adults who are handy with craft materials should enjoy “A ‘Crafty’ Group,” where folks can come knit, crochet and share all things crafty. The group meets every first and third Wednesday of the month, with meetings on June 16, July 7 and 21, and Aug. 4 and 18, at 6-7:30 p.m.
Then there’s the “Readers by the Bay Book Club.” It’s for men and women who enjoy reading and sharing their views about what they’ve read. The next gathering is on Tuesday, June 22, at 6-7:30 p.m. Reading topic is The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson and Reg Keeland.
The Summer Reading Program Kickoff is on Saturday, June 12, at 2-3 p.m., for all ages. For more information call 305-232-1771
