The Middlesex County Public Library (MCPL) system’s summer reading program is now in full swing, with more than 70 children participating. This year’s theme is “Color Our World,” a celebration of the planet through stories and art.
The month of July, in addition to regularly scheduled story times on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, will feature special events on Thursdays that are free, fun, and open to the public, as well as two additional weekly programs “Paws to Read” and “Art for All Ages.”
As part of Summer Reading, MCPL hosts a half-dozen programs at off-site locations, given by critically and popularly acclaimed performers.
- “Peter McCrory: Musician — One Man Band” will perform on Thursday, July 10, at 2:30 p.m., at Horizons Unlimited Early Learning Center at Urbanna United Methodist Church (UUMC). Since 1996, McCrory’s interactive shows have gained acclaim, playing music that all ages love — both lively, upbeat renditions of familiar songs, and award-winning original music for kids. In the course of his performance he often plays guitar, harmonica, drums, cow bells, cymbals, sometimes all at once, often while singing as well.
- Science Heroes presents “The Missing Color” on Thursday, July 17, at 1:30 p.m. at the Middlesex Family YMCA. Through hands-on experiments and fun, interactive stories, kids learn about the science that’s all around us in a celebration of the scientists who “color our world” with art! “We get kids (and even adults!) excited about science through our high-energy performance style and our collection of amazing, highly visual experiments,” Science Heroes says. “Once children realize how much fun science can be, they will want to explore more on their own — even after our program is complete!”
- Rainbow Puppets presents “Around the World” on Thursday, July 24, at 2:30 p.m. at Horizons/UUMC. “We travel around the world to hear songs, stories, and learn about friends all over the globe,” Rainbow Puppets says. “It’s a fun-filled tour that’s filled with puppets, music, and dance. We will visit with Mother Goose, Punch and Judy, the 3 Little Pigs and the 3 Billy Goats Gruff, butterflies, a crocodile and so much more!” Based out of Hampton, Rainbow Puppets explores themes ranging from travel to classic literature using their unique and imaginative mastery of puppets, developed over 40 years.
- “Jack’s Jungle: The Zoo that Comes to You” presents on Thursday, July 31, at 2 p.m. at the Deltaville Community Association (DCA) building (next to the Deltaville Pool). Jack’s Jungle delivers an incredible animal experience that is both educational and interactive. Jack’s animals in the past have included an American alligator, a 50 pound tortoise, and a Burmese python. Most of the animals can be touched by the kids and kids can even have their picture taken with them. The Summer Reading Finale will happen after the conclusion of “Jack’s Jungle.” The year’s top readers will be announced and prizes awarded, along with free books, refreshments, and more.
MCPL’s line-up for Summer Reading 2025 also features two other programs: “Paws to Read” and “Art for All Ages.”
Paws to Read is a fun and innovative way of helping both kids and dogs, in which children are invited to read to a furry friend. As dogs are “nonjudgmental listeners,” says ConnectVA, “the program provides a supportive environment for children to read out loud. The presence of the dog lowers the stress of the reader, allowing for improvement in reading skill, comprehension, fluency and confidence.” The program began more than 20 years ago in Utah and rapidly spread across the country as parents and educators noticed its benefits. Paws to Read dogs are provided by volunteers and include two, both therapy-rated, in Deltaville and three in Urbanna, in a variety of lovable breeds. The program runs 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. on Tuesdays in Deltaville, and 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. on Wednesdays in Urbanna, with 15 minute time slots. Call either branch to sign up.
“Art for All Ages” presents art and craft projects that are appropriate for ages 8 to 88. (Children younger than 8 may participate with an adult, and those older than 88 are still welcome.) The inaugural event, Squeegee Painting, drew a large crowd and featured a walk-through of a popular technique which utilizes paint dots and squeegees to create designs. The coming weeks’ sessions will include making small lamps out of twine balls (July 10), nature weaving (July 17) and collage (July 24). “Art for All Ages” is free, open to the public, and truly for all ages, although an RSVP is requested to help gauge supply needs. To reserve a space call the Deltaville branch at 804-776-7362 or email yourmiddlesexlibrary@gmail.com.
For information on these or other MCPL events, email yourmiddlesexlibrary@gmail.com or call MCPL’s Urbanna branch at 804-758-5717, or the Deltaville Branch at 804-776-7362.
(Hartfield resident Michael Kunzinger is outreach coordinator for the Middlesex County Public Library system, which has branch locations in Deltaville and Urbanna. Email him at yourmiddlesexlibrary@gmail.com.)
