Helpful Mom

The Monroe County Library System’s summer reading programs are in full swing.  The libraries are encouraging kids to keep up with their reading during summer break, while providing fun activities in air conditioned comfort.

Summer Reading at New York Libraries is an annual program that brings children and families into local public libraries for reading and activities.  This last week alone we went to 5 different programs at 5 different libraries!  Monday we saw Digeridoo Down Under a musical and educational program about Australia and it’s indigenous peoples and animals, Tuesday the kids danced the afternoon away to the musical group The Meatballs, Wednesday we really enjoyed a lesson in percussion by Ed Keegan, Adventures in Rhythm, Thursday was one of our favorites-Bubblemania which is an educational bubble show, and finally on Friday the girls got to enjoy a magic show, Katrina even got to assist with one of the tricks.  Plus by participating in the reading program the girls earned free ice cream.  Next week we have 4 programs on our schedule and we can’t wait.

Certain libraries have programs every week at a certain time like the Brighton lib on Monday mornings at 10:30am, and the Fairport lib on Tuesdays at 10:30am, and the Geneseo lib on Monday and Thursday afternoons at 2pm.  And other libraries have them on random dates and times.  To search for programs click here.  Maybe we’ll you at a library sometime soon.

Ahh you gotta love spring break, or perhaps you dread it.  Either way you have a whole week to play with your children all day every day…  And if your town is like ours that means the typical children’s museum or science center will be packed to the gills with every other desperate to get out of the house mom.  So I have learned to avoid the obvious hot spots during school vacation days at all costs.  So in this vein I found quite a number of free programs at various local libraries.  So one day we went to a puppet show in the morning and a Fancy Nancy tea party in the afternoon, another day there was a clown show, and another day we took in a magic act.  All of which our two girls enjoyed with enthusiam.  And best of all after the show ends we hang out around the library for 1/2- 2hrs and the girls love that I’ll let them “buy” any book they want.  And while they play I get to read my magazine or read them the occasional book.  So all around it’s fun for all and the price can’t be beat.