Portsmouth Library Summer Programs Discussed on PTW

Our topic for the 27 June 2014 edition of Portsmouth This Week  was Summer Programs at the Portsmouth Free Public Library.  Sue Rousseau, the Reference and Young Adult Librarian, and Nicole Carrubba, the Children’s Librarian, gave Host Dave Miller an overview of the busy summer schedule they’ve put together for the youth of Portsmouth.  The programs, which kicked off this week, include both reading and hands-on activities with a common theme of science and technology.

For children ages three thru eleven, the children’s program, “Fizz, Boom, Bingo” is a science based reading list linked with a bingo game sheet, where the kids pick out books with particular themes for their reading and try to complete lines on their cards. When they finish a straight line and get a “Bingo,” they win a small prize as a reward and incentive.  Just to give a flavor of the planned activities, Fizz Boom Thursdays have titles such as “Yummy Science, Exploding Color, Fizz-Boom Physics, Rubbermaid Racers and Frozen Fun.”  Story times, another popular program for younger children are held Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July at 10 am.

 In collaboration with the other Aquidneck Island libraries and FabNewport, with grant funding from the RI Office of Library and Information Services and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Library will also offer a Summer Camp in July to introduce children 8 thru 12 to two- and three- dimensional printing and interactive programming. While the July camp is already fully subscribed, the equipment, a 3-D printer, computer-controlled vinyl cutter, heat press and a Makey-Makey and Pico Boards (similar to circuit boards) will be used for programs and open studies for all ages starting this fall.

The teen program also has a science theme, “Spark a Reaction” and includes lectures and demonstrations ranging from a RI State Crime Lab lecture thru animal studies to survival skills and even a hands-on henna tattoo lab.  Craft activities include lava lamps, a CD hovercraft and tie-dying. The teen program culminates with a pizza party in August. Registration is already in full swing, but there’s still time, so teens are encouraged to sign up now.

Other special guests this summer include a comedic story-telling rap duo and a fantastic magician. Some of the children and teen summer activities are “drop in” and some require sign-up. Check the website, call or visit the library for details.  All the programs are free.

For more detail on the summer programs and general information about the Portsmouth Free Public Library, visit the website at http://www.portsmouthlibrary.org or call (401) 683-9457.

Portsmouth This Week, the “Voice of Portsmouth Town Hall” is a weekly public TV program sponsored by Town Administrator John Klimm to provide a forum for issues of concern to the Portsmouth Community. These programs are aired on Cox Channel 18 at various times and are posted on YouTube for viewing anytime. Links to past editions can be accessed from the Town’s website. The June 27 Edition of Portsmouth This Week – Portsmouth Library Programs is available at: http://youtu.be/ZBDwQY4cFEA