OXFORD – The Oxford Memorial Library, 8 Fort Hill Park, not only hosted a successful summer reading program for children, but according to library director Nancy Wilcox, the adult reading program was a hit once again this year.
“We had 54 adults sign up to participate in the program reading a grand total of 194 books,” said Wilcox.
The library offers programs throughout the summer for children, teens and adults.
Children interested in the reading program this year took part in activities including a show and interactive worksop with writer, musician and storyteller Story Laurie, who discussed digging into the Earth and providing food for families through gardening. A plethora of other events for smaller children filled the summer months as well, including Lunch Bunch Fridays, a visit by Dan the Snakeman, and an ice cream celebration.
Teens were able to partake in a Pirate Party event, reading stories and poems about pirates; costumes were encouraged and games and crafts were on the agenda. Older children and teens had the opportunity to take part in various “craft nights,” to which the turnout was positive, according to Youth Services Coordinator Carolyn Thau.
The adult reading program, according to Wilcox, is a very simple program offering an opportunity for adults to read books and receive rewards for their efforts and accomplishments.
“We would like to encourage those adults who did not sign up to take advantage of this very simple program this year to do so next year, for a chance to win some very cool prizes,” added Wilcox.
Each week of the adult reading program a winner was selected. The weekly winners included: Linda Orlin; Donna Garruto; Bernice Hackett; Holly Abbott; Bernice Gere; Alta Martin.
According to Wilcox, the honor of the ‘most books read’ title was awarded to Donna Garruto.
“The program was, as usual, a great success,” she added.
The grand prize winner for this season’s adult reading program was Holly Marvin. This year’s winner received a gift certificate to Roma’s, 2 Main Street, Oxford.
“We would especially like to thank Roma’s for its ongoing support of our library and the adult summer reading program,” said Wilcox.
She also extended gratitude to all of the participants of the adult reading program for their support of the library and continued patronage.
“The Oxford Memorial Library is your hometown community center for information and entertainment,” added Wilcox. “A great place to meet friends and neighbors.
And while the summer season is coming to a close, events at the library do not cease. The library will host the Ross Park Zoomobile at 6:30 p.m. September 12 for a family night program with the intent of informing and exposing a variety of animals to children and families. A set of creative writing classes are slated to take place at 6:30 p.m. September 25 and October 2, and are geared for ages 10 and up.
Both of the upcoming programs are made possible with public funds administered by the Chenango Arts Council, and are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) with support from Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature.
For further information on opportunities at the library for children, teens, families and adults, call 843-6146 or stop by during business hours, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday; or 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday.