Read All About It! See What the Avalon and Stone Harbor Libraries Have Planned for the Summer
The word “library” might not be the first word you associate with summer. But the Avalon and Stone Harbor libraries might have you rethinking that connection.
With a broad array of events, concerts, activities, and services, these libraries are hubs for fun and learning for the whole family throughout the summer. Here we provide a preview of a few of the exciting programs and services at the Avalon Free Public Library and the Stone Harbor Library.
Avalon Free Public Library
“We are thrilled to welcome back expanded in-person summer events, including many patron favorites like author events, in-person concerts, and our host of kids’ weekday activities in partnership with the History Center and the Avalon Recreation Department,” says library director Erin Brown. “Through a variety of events for all ages hosted in a selection of indoor and outdoor venues, we are hopeful that we have something to offer for everyone.”
Author Series
“Right now, we have two events that are firm, with another two to three we are still scheduling,” Brown says.
First, Philadelphia sports media icon Ray Didinger will have an author event on June 18 at 6pm at Surfside Park (30th Street and the beach). Didinger, an award-winning sportswriter, producer, radio host, and television commentator, will discuss his latest book, “Finished Business: My Fifty Years of Headlines, Heroes, and Heartaches,” a lively memoir that details his five decades covering the Philadelphia sports scene. “He’s going to come and talk about his writing, his work, his life, and then we will have a Q&A period, followed by a book signing,” says Brown.
Second, the library is hosting Laurie Zaleski, the founder and operator of Funny Farm Rescue and Sanctuary, on July 7 at 11am. Twenty years ago, Zaleski founded Funny Farm to honor her mother, an avid animal rescuer. Today, the farm is one of the largest animal rescues in the Northeast and provides a forever home for domestic, farm, and exotic animals. Zaleski will be discussing her book, “Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals.”
Concerts
The sweet sounds of music will be drifting from the Avalon Library with a few concerts on the calendar. On July 16 at 7pm, Neil Berg recreates some of the greatest moments from some of Broadway’s most iconic shows with the “100 Years of Broadway” concert. Featuring some of the actual stars of these shows, the show will showcase Broadway classics and showstoppers.
On Aug. 13 at 7pm, the Bay Atlantic Symphony will present the classic symphony concert, “The Birds and the Bees,” featuring the full orchestra.
Both concerts will be held in Avalon Elementary School gym.
Summer Reading Program
“Oceans of Possibilities is the summer reading theme,” says Brown. “Kids, teens, and adults can participate, read, and win prizes throughout the summer.”
Summer Guide
Be sure to pick up a copy of The Summer Guide publication that includes information on all the free Avalon Library, History Center, and Department of Recreation kids and family events. Copies are available at the Avalon Library and History Center and throughout the borough.
Children’s Events and Programs
“Every weekday from June 20 to Sept. 2, there will be a free kids’ or family event hosted by either the library, the History Center, or the Avalon Department of Recreation, and some days there will be more than one” says Brown. Daily activities take place at the library at 10am and include:
Monday Fundays will feature a variety of fun kids’ programs, such as “Sea Creatures with Amazing Features!” hosted by The Wetlands Institute.
Tuesday Storytime will captivate kids’ imagination with stories and activities. There will also be a beach movie at 30th Street Beach on Tuesday evenings (beginning June 28).
Crafty Wednesdays will allow kids to explore art and creativity.
LEGO Thursdays returns with LEGO pieces provided by the library and ingenuity and imagination provided by the kids.
Friday Nights at Surfside Park will feature different character showcases, with dancing, photo ops, face-painting, and fun for the whole family.
Avalon History Center
“We are particularly excited about events at the Avalon History Center this summer,” says Brown, who is also the History Center director. On June 28 at 7pm, the popular Paper Peddler Trivia Night returns. And on July 6 from 10am to noon, the History Center Open House offers light refreshments, and a welcoming opportunity to see what the History Center has to offer, including a 1925 Avalon lifeboat, historic photos, and objects that tell the story of Avalon’s rich history.
The History Center will also host three mini camps for kids. On June 28, the Avalon Beach Patrol welcomes young patrons with special guests and fun activities. On July 19, the Avalon Fire Department will be on hand with a fire truck and firefighters. And on Aug. 16, Avalon History Center curator Bonita Risley will teach kids all about the museum through interactive activities. All mini camps will be at the Avalon History Center from 10am to noon.
Business Services
While there’s plenty of fun to be had at the library this summer, patrons can also take care of business there. “One of the things we’ve learned, certainly in recent years, is how valuable it is for our patrons to have access to an on-island resource for printing, computer access, and Wi-Fi,” Brown notes. “Our Wi-Fi extends out into the parking lot and patrons can even print remotely with us. Through a service on our website, you can send a print job to the library and we’ll have it ready when you get here.”
Stone Harbor Library
Also featuring a full lineup of events and activities, the Stone Harbor Library offers events for adults and children all summer long.
Children’s Programming
Beginning June 7 and running through Aug. 30, the Stone Harbor Library will host offering interactive events for children on nearly every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning. All of the events are scheduled to begin at 10am and will be held outside at either Chelsea Park Place or the shuffleboard courts at 97th Street and First Avenue. Please check the Cape May County Library website (cmclibrary.org) for exact dates and locations.
Children’s events will include:
All Together Storytime: Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers are invited to enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, instruments and more. (Chelsea Park Place).
Messy Masterpieces: Kids ages 2-6 are invited to explore their creativity and make a mess, through stories and sensory art projects. Families are encouraged to dress for the mess! (Chelsea Park Place).
Summer Reading Challenge Events
As part of Cape May County Library’s summer reading program, the Stone Harbor Library is hosting interactive events to keep kids engaged and enthused about reading this summer. All of these events are scheduled to take place at the shuffleboard courts on 97th Street and First Avenue, and include:
Summer Reading Science Show: Ahoy! Set sail on an action-packed adventure about a crew of quirky pirates marooned on a desert island. Throughout the story, volunteers from the audience will help explore the incredible science behind clouds, combustion, air pressure and more through amazing Next Generation Science experiments. (Best suited for ages 5-10)
Summer Reading Magic Show: Magician Chad Juros will entertain and amaze with his magic tricks and teach kids some tricks they can do at home. (Best suited for ages 4-10)
Summer Reading Musical Fun: Mr. Jon, a Parents’ Choice Award-winning musician, will provide a fun performance featuring stories, puppets, and music. (Best suited for ages 2-8)
Summer Reading Turtle Show: Get up close and personal with the turtles that are native to Cape May County. In this interactive exhibit, kids will explore hands-on turtle artifacts, learn about turtle anatomy, history, and life cycles, and even get some quality time to view live adult terrapins and even some hatchlings. (Best suited for ages 5-10)
Adult Programs and Events
“We are pleased to offer a variety of programming this summer at the Stone Harbor Library,” says Mariela Cifuentes, adult events coordinator for Cape May County Libraries. Monthly cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts classes, and educational presentations will be held at the library on 96th Street and include the following:
Cape Cuisine: Mark Kalla, former head chef at Green Cuisine, and former executive chef at The Backyard and Fish Tales, will host an interactive cooking lesson on every third Wednesday of the month.
Healthy Living with Holly: Registered dietitian and nutritionist Holly DeLong M.S. RDN will explore healthy eating, anti-aging nutrition, and fresh recipes to make healthy eating as fun as it is beneficial, every third Thursday of the month, starting June 9.
Cooking with Carolyn: Find healthy and tasty ways to prepare food while honoring tradition with Carolyn Vinci, former food columnist for Gannett newspapers.
Arts & Crafts Events
Succulent Diffusers: June 28
Mojito Sugar Scrub Workshop: July 26
Paint Your Own Pottery: Aug. 12
There is undoubtedly something for everyone at the island’s libraries this summer. For more details and the most up-to-date information on any of the programs and events, call or check the library websites.
Avalon Free Public Library: 609-967-7155 / avalonfreelibrary.org
Stone Harbor Library: 609-368-6809 / cmclibrary.org
