Library celebrates summer reading kickoff

The Avon Grove Library kicked off its annual summer reading program on Saturday morning.

When the Avon Grove Library kicks off its annual summer reading program, it’s more than just putting your name on a list. It’s an extravaganza.

This year on Saturday morning at Rosehill Avenue was no exception. Even as the library opened the doors at 10 a.m. the front lobby was packed with folks in line ready to sign up.

For 2018, Children’s Department Manager Lisa Sherwood and her team pulled out all the stops, with a generous variety of activities for all ages to enjoy and participate in.

Probably the most important item on the agenda was getting kids enrolled in the summer reading, which has literary activities for children from birth through 12th grade. They meet, keep track of their books (or books read to) and collect small trinkets appropriate for their ages through mid-August as they achieve goals.

Along with the books, there are events every week that range from hip-hop dancing, through “Slime Time” and Legos to Family Yoga Day and Geo Trax.

On Saturday, Sherwood had her usual offerings of ice cream and crafts for everyone. They are frequent accompaniments just about every time the library has a special event.

One father was heard to say, “In there it’s ice cream sundaes and pretzels for breakfast today.”

The big draw, however, was the return of magicians Dick and Joanne Gustafson in the community room. They come every year, and in recent times have been so popular they have to put on two shows.

Dick is well known nationally in the world of magic, and he infuses his tricks with adult double entendres and children’s humor. He also reaches out for volunteers from the audience to help with some of his tricks.

Inside the library, three authors of children’s books were present for giving out fliers, selling their books and signing them. They were Jessica Lawson, Colleen Rowan Kosinski and Dianne Salerni.

Kosinski was also giving out packets of sunflower seeds to the young visitors at the booth. But that wasn’t all. There was a photo booth, a balloon-into-creatures table, and a dog to read to, among other things.

Sherwood, who has headed up the event for 11 years, said the summer reading program has been going on since before she came. She added that she

averages about 300 participants each year.

Summer reading programs abound all over Chester County, and inasmuch as they are an interlocking network, children from any other library are welcome to participate in Avon Grove’s program.

The library is also sponsoring outdoor summer movies at the Penn Township Park at sunset. On June 28 it’s Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax.” On July 19 it’s “Grease.” And on August 23, it’s Disney and Pixar’s “Coco.”

For more information, go towww.avong rove library. org/.

CHRIS BARBER — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Magician Dick Gustafson assures volunteer Jeanine Corriero that he will not cut off her hand with his magic guillotine during his performance at the library summer ready program kickoff.

CHRIS BARBER — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA From left are authors Jessica Lawson, Colleen Rowan Kosinski and Dianne Salerni, who joined the hosts of the Avon Grove Library summer reading kickoff.

CHRIS BARBER — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Kids engage in craft projects at the summer reading kickoff at the Avon Grove Library on Saturday.

CHRIS BARBER — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA From left, Avon Grove Band members Antonio Gentile, Charlotte Condliffe, Luke Sammartino and Abby McLaughlin warm up for their performance at the magic show at the library’s summer reading kickoff.