| Burlington Free Press
The Fletcher Free Library’s Summer Challenge Program is set to kick off June 20, inviting readers of all ages to participate in a season filled with reading and activities, according to a community announcement.
The program, themed “Unearth a Story” this year, will run through Aug. 17.
A kickoff party is scheduled for 10 a.m. June 20 at the Main Library, 235 College St., Burlington. Vermont Lake Monsters players and mascot Champ will make a special appearance, alongside local authors Kate Messner, Kekla Magoon, Chris Tebbetts and Dayna Lorentz. All Summer Challenge Program events are free and open to the public.
The Summer Challenge Program aims to promote reading and learning throughout Burlington, with events planned at the library and other local organizations.
“We can’t wait to welcome learners of all ages to DIG IN to reading at the Library this summer!” Megan Butterfield, youth library manager, said in the announcement. “Kids and families should keep an eye out for our Youth Summer Outreach staff, who will be bringing library fun to parks and other locations around Burlington.”
The library has planned a variety of events for the summer, according to the announcement. At 4 p.m. on June 21, giant inflatable dinosaurs will fill the Main Reading Room. On June 25, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: The Musical” from Lyric Theatre will be performed at 6 p.m. at Contois Auditorium.
Very Merry Theatre will return with two performances: “The Secret Garden” on July 1 and “Moana Jr.” on July 15. Both will be held at noon at the Main Library.
New offerings this year include “Read to a Dog” at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays at the New North End Branch Library. Library staff will also travel to parks beginning June 22.
Participants can register for the Summer Reading Challenge for kids in person at the Main Library or New North End Branch, on the library’s website or via the Beanstack app. The app allows users to participate in challenges, earn badges and enter a raffle to win prizes at the end of the summer.
Adults and teens (ages 13 and up) can take part in Summer Challenge Bingo by picking up a paper bingo card at the Main Library or New North End Branch or playing online using Beanstack. Participants will be entered into a raffle to win prizes from The Grey Jay and Stone Soup.
The Summer Challenge Program is sponsored by M&T Bank, Northfield Savings Bank and the Price Chopper/Golub Foundation.
For more information and a full list of programs, visit fletcherfree.org.
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