Summer programs under way in Chelsea

Published 10:17 am Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Thirteen-year-old Daniel Barnette helps his 4-year-old brother Camden with the computer at the new Chelsea Public Library. (Contributed)

By SHELBA NIVENS / Community Columnist

Chelsea Public Library re-opened in their new location on the last day of May, and is busy with several exciting summer programs.

The Tot Spot program features a variety of books, dancing, singing and according to Head Librarian Dana Polk, just “plain old-fashioned fun.”

Reading programs are underway for K-5 through adult.

One World Many Stories for K-5 through fifth grade will include, among other things, Aesop’s Theater, juggler, magician, puppets and hot dogs with the mayor.

Activities for the You Are Here group — young people sixth grade and up — include videoing and editing, learning to roll sushi, crafts, electronic and board games, movie, pizza party and prizes.

Adults in the reading program, Novel Destinations, will be reading novels. Besides the regular incentives for participating in the program, they will have a drawing for “goody bags.”

Most of the programs will be held in the Council Chamber in City Hall. The Tot Spot takes place in the children’s room in the new library.

Two library staff members resigned in recent months, but two new Assistant Librarians, “Ms. Elisabeth” and “Ms. Gillian,” along with volunteers and Head Librarian Dana Polk, are busy helping patrons locate particular books, movies and tapes, checking out and checking in items and assisting computer users, while performing other duties.

On opening day I found 13-year-old Daniel Barnette showing his 4-year-old brother Camden how to perform a function on one computer, while their mother Tajuana worked at another.

But, even with a lot going on at the new library, it still provides a nice, quiet place for people to browse among the books, and work or read in a relaxing atmosphere.

Come by and check out the library’s new setting in the newly-renovated, historic Crane House, check out a few books or movies and learn how you can connect to the library on your Smart Phone.

Shelba Nivens can be reached by email at Shelbasn@juno.com.