Rock on at the Candor Library this summer

Candor Free Library’s summer reading program begins Monday, July 9 and continues for six weeks through Aug. 18. This year’s theme is “Libraries Rock”, so throw on your tie-dye tees and bell-bottoms, or grab a mineral field guide and head down to the library. 

Readers of all ages – from “just beginning” through high school – are encouraged to explore new books and relax with favorite stories. There will be weekly activities and small prizes, including geodes and crystal-growing kits. 

Remember to fill out a ticket for each book you read to enter the end-of-summer drawing for a gift certificate to Barnes & Noble.

Preschool children can explore books through eight theme-based backpacks, including one featuring dinosaurs. Each backpack contains two picture books and activities that support math and reading skills. There’s also a “Guide for Parents” and “make and keep” activity books for the kids. 

Older kids can check out “Explore” bags. Each canvas tote bag contains a nonfiction book and supplies to keep a kid engaged for a couple of hours or more. 

Also, the library is hosting a series of free family-friendly events over the summer. The season kicks off with Bones and Stones on Saturday, July 14 at 1 p.m. Rock-ologists of all ages can make a fossil and explore geology through hands-on activities and art. 

Captain Jack Sparrow will visit the library on Thursday, July 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. He’ll present a pirate show filled with action and fun. The program is rated “Arrr” and is suitable for kids and adults of all ages. 

Make sure to catch the performance by Didgeridoo Down Under (DDU) the following Tuesday, July 24. The high-energy, Australia-themed show combines music, culture, science, comedy, character building and audience participation. Raihan Alam, one of the DDU crew, will take you on a musical journey to Australia and beyond, as he plays an assortment of didgeridoos and percussion instruments. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. 

On Wednesday, Aug. 8, Dan the Snake Man will drop by. His show features exotic reptiles and provides an opportunity for people to interact with the animals on an up-close and personal level. Dan encourages people to look, touch, and ask lots of questions. The show starts at 6:30 p.m.

There’s an ArtSplash workshop on Sunday, July 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. The workshop is open to all ages from eight to 108, though children under 12 will need to be accompanied by an adult. A cost of $5 will cover materials. This month’s workshop will explore lettering. RSVP by calling the library.

For the summer, Lego club has moved to Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. The Maker Space is well-stocked for creating and experimenting, and there are a couple of circuit kits for emerging engineers to explore. Wireless is always on, so bring your laptop, and there’s a stack of board games on the shelf.

And for those who want to go off on an adventure, be sure to check out the Empire Pass. The pass allows free New York State park entry to one carload of friends and family. Patrons may check out the pass for one week.

Candor Free Library is located at 2 Bank St., just behind the Village Hall. Library hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2 to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon, 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. 

For more information, call the library at 659-7258, or check out their blog at candorlibrary.blogspot.com. You can also Follow them on Facebook.