Build a Better World this Summer at the Library

NEWBURGH – The second annual mini-ComicCon called “NFLXpo17” will kick off the Newburgh Free Library’s Summer Reading Program for kids of all ages. Parents can sign up their children and get a full schedule of programs at both library locations beginning on Mon., June 12. Programs are offered for children of all ages, and encourage children ages 4 to 17 to complete a “building challenge” that includes a combination of reading, attending programs and participating in library activities between July 10 and August 11. Those who complete the challenge will receive a t-shirt courtesy of the Friends of the Newburgh Free Library, while supplies last.

Last year the NFLXpo attracted more than 200 kids and their families to celebrate pop culture including comics, movies and books. This year NFLXpo17 will be held on Sat., July 8 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and includes vendors, authors, an American Sci-Tech Exhibit of robotics, panel presentations, a costume contest and more.

Based on the national theme of “Build a Better World”, the summer reading program will also offer a wide variety of activities to encourage children to build, create and think about the world around them. Early literacy summer programs for birth to preschoolers help promote early learning, brain development and socialization skills through rhymes, fingerplays, songs, books and interactive activities. Programs for the youngest library users range from Beach Baby Lapsit to Building Blocks for Learning that offers fun activity stations focusing on imaginative play and school readiness skills.

School-age children can also enjoy “Build a Better…Word” featuring a vocabulary bee (similar to a spelling bee), and “Build It Better” utilizing launchers, shooters and flyers. Summer Science Story Time tackles math, physics and astronomy – all geared for kids. Also part of the fun are a chess club, design challenges, robotic projects, movies and reading activities that show how kids can build a better world through books. “Yoga for Kids” presented by Ms. Susan from Rae of Light Studio in New Windsor encourages kids to “Build a Better You.”

One of the highlights of the summer is a special event called “Pups and PJs” on Tues., July 11 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Town Branch. Children are invited to wear their pajamas and bring a pillow to listen to a story and then read with a therapy dog. Other events include a Harry Potter Birthday party and a celebration of the popular book “The Phantom Tollbooth.”

Tweens and teens, or those age 11 and up, can volunteer to be a Book Buddy or Program Assistant throughout the summer programming schedule. Those interested in volunteering must attend an orientation session to be held on July 5 or 6. Teens can also attend a variety of programs like a Creative Writing Workshop, Summer Trivia Nights, accomplish robotic challenges in the Build Guild, learn animation in Stop Motion 101, or participate in the Minecraft Build Challenge against other regional libraries.

The Newburgh Free Library will also offer a four-week program called “Art Smart” to encourage children to use paint and collage to build “story quilts” based on the work of well-known children’s illustrators. This program, funded by a grant from Arts Mid-Hudson, will be held inside in the lobby from Jul. 17 – Aug. 11, Mon. – Thurs. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Our goal is to get kids excited to visit the Library. We want children to experience something different, discover something new, and in the process build a life-long love of reading and learning,” said Lisa Kochik, children’s librarian.  A complete schedule of happenings for kids and adults can be found at the Library’s Calendar of Events at www.newburghlibrary.org.

For additional information about the library, please call 845-563-3600.