The 2022 MA statewide summer library program (SLP), Read Beyond the Beaten Path, begins at Plumb Library on June 24 and ends on August 6. This year’s theme combines outdoor adventures, skill development, and personal challenges. The Plumb program consists of a robust children’s program best for ages 3-12, and simpler programs for teens and adults. Registered participants are challenged to read, attend special events, complete BINGO sheets and other activities (at home or at the library) as personal schedules permit. Weekly prizes can be earned! Logs are used to track progress. Everyone who turns in a completed log by August 6 will be invited to an ice cream party at Captain Bonney’s on August 13. Thanks to many sponsors, this program is free to participants. Here is a bulleted list of program information and instructions:
The SLP Program begins June 24 and ends August 6.
Online Registration opens June 24 and ends July 15. The children, teen and adult registration links are available at Plumblibrary.comor on the Event Calendar (under June 24.)
Each participant must register separately.
After registering for the program, visit the library to pick up your log, instruction sheet, summer newsletter, and more.
Registered participants are challenged to: read or be read to at least 30 minutes (in total) per day (audiobooks, magazines, graphics and e-books count!); attend special events; and do activities (at home or at the library).
Program activities and events are listed on the Event Calendar on the library website.
Most special events have registration limits due to our parking lot and grounds size, and/or presenter requirements.
Starting June 24, register on the EVENT CALENDAR for the special events you wish to attend by clicking the REGISTER box on each event. This is the only way to register for special events!
All special events will be held outdoors, weather permitting.
To actively participate in and complete the Plumb SLP, registrants must track their reading, event attendance and activities completed on their log, and turn this log in by August 6.
The children’s log uses stickers to track progress. The teen and adult logs have both a coloring and written record.
Logging example: If within a day you read 30 minutes, went to a library program, and completed a BINGO (across, down or diagonal), you would put 3 stickers on a children’s log. For the adult and teen log, you would color in three tents if you were recording completed activities.
Teens and adults can elect to just record books read. Five books read is considered a completed log.
Sharing your log with a librarian (once per week if you can!) helps us fill our StickTogether™ Mosaic to uncover a hidden image. Every activity logged equals a color tile for the mosaic.
This mosaic, along with participant names, will be displayed at Rochester Memorial School (RMS) in the fall.
Completing certain library activities earns you small prizes. These activities include weekly scrambled words, library seek and finds, or completing a BINGO (across, down or diagonal).
All logs must be turned in no later than August 6 to receive an invitation to our finale ice cream party at Captain Bonney’s on August 13.
Plumb/RMS summer reading suggestions and resources can be found on both the RMS website and on the Plumb website (under Summer Library Program).
The ORRJHS and ORRHS reading lists are also posted on our Summer Library Program page.
Please scroll through the Event Calendar for program and activity details OR use the monthly view option to see each month's activity all at once!
The MA Statewide Summer Library Program is funded by the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Locally, the program is funded by the Friends of Plumb Library, the Rochester Lions Club, the Rochester Firefighters Association, the Rochester Cultural Council, Friends Marketplace at Plumb Corner, Sperry Tents, Brook Realty, and many community donors and volunteers.
SLP Special Events - ONLINE Sign-ups start June 24
Thanks to program sponsors and volunteers, we have a wonderful variety of special events included in our program this summer. Most special events require online registration There are a few events, and several more activities, which do not require registration. If an event does not require registration, it will be noted in the event/activity description.
Registering for events is NOT the same as registering for the Summer Library Program. Registering for the SLP is a one time process via a link on our website which is open from June 24 - July 15. Registering for the SLP means you will obtain a log, track your reading, activity and event attendance and hopefully share your progress with us to help us build the mosaic.
ONLINE registration on the Event Calendar opens on June 24 for events associated with the SLP. You must register for each event you would like to attend. Each program has registration limits based on several factors. Events are being held outdoors, weather permitting. Check our Facebook page closer to event dates or call us for any weather cancellation updates!
Mr. Vinny's Bubble Show
Friday, June 24, 1:30-2:15 PM.
(and Thursday, July 21, 6:00 PM)
Celebrate the last day of school and the first day of Plumb's summer program with Mr. Vinny the Bubble Guy! Join us outside for running, jumping, and bubble-popping fun! Mr. Vinny is bringing his hand-made, giant bubble wand to create floating blobs of soapy goodness. The kids can chase and pop to their heart’s delight, while Mr. Vinny plays music, tells jokes and answers questions. It will be good clean fun!
A special guest will be visiting from 1:30-2:30 PM! Stay tuned for for more details!
No registration required!
Both Mr. Vinny Bubble Guy shows are supported in part by a grant from the Rochester Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Storytime with Ms. Elsie and Blanka
Saturday, June 25, 10:00-11:00 AM
Ms. Elsie and Blanka, a miniature therapy horse/unicorn, have a new story to share! After the story, children will be able to ask questions and pet Blanka. Registration is requiredand is limited to 15 children. This will be an outdoor event on the library grounds, weather permitting.Elsie is a high school student and an active 4H member who is donating her time. Please respect the registration limits.
Tuesdays with Teachers
June 28, July 5, July 12, July 19 and July 26
Some of our favorite RMS teachers and Plumb library patrons are donating their time to be here again this summer to read children a story and then do a related activity!
For June, Mr. and Mrs. Forns will be here June 28 at 10 AM.
For July, Mrs. Alves will be here July 5 at 10 AM; Mrs. Johnson will be here July 12 at 1 PM; Mrs. Sollauer will be here July 19 at 1 PM and Mrs. Hasbrouck will be here on July 26 at 1 PM. These "classes" are best for children aged 5 and up, but all are welcome. Younger children will need adult assistance. These classes will be held outdoors weather permitting. Registration is requiredfor each individual class by date. Attendance is limited to 20 children each class.
Author visit with Alec Carvlin!
Tuesday, June 28, 4:30-5:45 PM
Calling all cosmic chefs! Alec Carvlin will be reading his debut picture book, How to Bake a Universe! Kids will love decorating their own cosmic sunglasses, hearing the book read aloud by the author, and asking questions about the fun and funky science at the end. So come on down and bring nothing! Just make sure you have enough. This book is best for children aged 5-9. If you bring your own copy of How to Bake a Universe, Alec will sign it for you!
Registration is required. Attendance is limited to 30 children aged 5-9. This program will be held outdoors weather permitting.
World of Worms Preschool Workshop with Mad Science
Wednesday, June 29, 10:00-10:45 AM
What has no eyes, breathes through its skin, and eats soil? Worms! Interactive and hands-on activities will assist preschoolers with this introduction to worms. This lesson provides an opportunity to develop scientific skills through inquiry based instructional materials. They will examine worms up close and even take one home in a wormerie they make themselves!
Registration is required. This is an outdoor PRESCHOOL workshop for 20 children aged aged 3-5 only.
Thanks to Rochester Lions Club for funding this and 2 other Mad Science programs for us this summer!
Rocks with Groovin' Girl Scout Troop #61250
Thursday, June 30, 1:30-2:30 PM OR
Friday, July 1, 10:30 AM.
Listen to a story, play games, sing songs and create a pet rock!
This program is best for children aged 3 and up. Younger children will need adult assistance.Registration is required and is limited to 15 children.
This is an outdoor program, weather permitting.
The Girl Scouts are offering the same program on 2 dates to help families with different schedules.
Animal World Experience: Beyond the Beaten Path Animal Show Thursday, June 30, 5:00-6:00 PM
Join us as we travel beyond the beaten path to discover the world of animals like never before with Matt Gabriel from Animal World Experience! Come with us as you meet and touch unusual and amazing animals that are seldom seen in the wild except by seasoned experts! This will be an outdoor show, weather permitting. All ages welcome, but content is geared to ages 5 and up.
Stop by wearing your best "outdoor, camping or nature gear" to kick off the 2022 Summer Library Program with a family photo! This is an outdoor event WEATHER PERMITTING. You will have the choice of several green screen generated backdrops which support the outdoor adventures/challenges theme! Thanks to Mrs. Voci, a SLP mom and teacher, these photos are free and will be emailed to you directly. There will also be a program FINALE photo opportunity TBD. Consider taking this photo with sticker log as you start the program nd then again at the end of the program with your your completed log! No registration required!
Mr. Vinny's Little Puppet Puppet Show
Wednesday, July 6, 4:30-5:15 PM
Join us for an interactive, silly and informative puppet show performed by Mr. Vinny Lovegrove of The Toe Jam Puppet Band! The hilarious and high energy program will feature a variety of puppets, stories, singing and surprises. Mr. Vinny will share how his puppets are made and with what stuff. Some children will get to wear and handle some puppets. This is an outdoor show, weather permitting.
This free event is recommended for kids ages 3-9 and families. Registration is requiredand is limited to 30 children.
Sonshine Yoga with Yogi Lisa
July 7, July 14, July 28, and August 4, 10:00-10:45 AM
Yogi Lisa is back to do four (4) outdoor yoga classes. She can't wait to meet you on your mat (or towel!). Registration is requiredfor each class individually.
Maximum class size is 10 children aged 4-9. Yogi Lisa invites you to join her for this fun and engaging adventure. Children will use their imagination exploring yoga poses, breathing exercises, songs, games, and stories. Activities will help children to grow physically, socially, and emotionally while learning yoga principles which foster cooperation, compassion, and healthy living. Children will work on strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and cooperation during this energizing, yet relaxing, yoga practice. Please have your child bring their own yoga mat or towel and a bottle of water.
Fairy Houses with Groovin' Girl Scout Troop #62150
Thursday, July 7, 1:30-2:30 PM OR
Friday, July 8, 10:30 AM
Listen to a story, play games, sing songs and create a "sit upon" as well as fairies and fairy houses! We may ask that some fairy houses be left at the library for other children to find! This program is best for children aged 3 and up. Younger children will need adult assistance. This is an outdoor program, weather permitting. The Girl Scouts are offering the same program on 2 dates to help families with different schedules.
3-2-1 blast off! How high does your soda bottle go? Come make your own soda bottle rocket and launch it to see!! Join Boy Scout Troop 31 and they'll show you how. PLEASE BRING A 2 LITER SODA BOTTLE (NOT FRESCA). This project is best for children aged 7 and up. However, children under 7 can participate with their grown-up. This is an outdoor program, weather permitting.
The Rochester Tails n' Trails 4-H Club would like you to come and meet some of their 4-H project animals, including cows, rabbits, chicks and chickens, a mini horse, and more! Come to learn some interesting facts and learn how we care for our animals. We welcome you to ask questions and even pat our furry friends! (All animals have 4H health and travel certification). This will be an outdoor program, weather permitting. There will be a reschedule date in August if this event has to be postponed. Registration is required and is limited to 30 children.This is an all volunteer program. PLEASE respect the registration limits.
Backyard Band Jams with Ms. Rhonda
July 13, 20, 27; August 3 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Ms. Rhonda (Matson) is back for 4 outdoor FAMILY music making fun events: July 13, 20, 27 and August 3! These events are best suited for children up to age 9, but all are welcome! Ms. Lisa will include some "storytime" favorite activities at the start of each class!
At a Backyard Band Jam families engage in musical play with traditional children's songs, sing-along storybooks, props, and instruments Remaining physically distanced, we sing together, move and groove together, and of course jam out together! Please bring along something to shake, such as a scarf kind of thing - face cloth, dish cloth, etc., and a few instruments (a “real” instrument or ones made from the recycling bin or kitchen cabinets.) All that is really required is a willingness to play musically!Jams will be held weather permitting. Rain dates may be possible.
These events are best suited for children up to age 9, but all are welcome! Registration is required and is limited to 30 children.
Pond Creatures with Dr. Mindy
Wednesday, July 13, 1:00-2:00 PM OR
Saturday, July 16, 1:00-2:00 PM
In celebration of Lakes Appreciation Month, come meet Ms. Michelle from the Snow's Pond Association and local professor and ecologist Dr. Mindy Labranche to learn about the importance of lakes, ponds and freshwater life!! Dr. Mindy has taught many ecology labs and will show participants the cool species that reside in a local pond (TBA). This program will require strict adherence to safety rules. Adults must supervise their child at all times. Children aged 6 and up can work independently, but children aged 5 and under must work with their grown-up.
Registration is required and is limited to 20 TOTAL humans - children/adults combined. If you can't attend the Wednesday class, you can register for the July 16 Saturday class.
Bugs! School-Age workshop with Mad Science
Thursday, July 14, 4:30-5:30 PM
Outdoor adventures always seem to include bugs! In this workshop, children will get engrossed in entomology! They find out that insects are arthropods and inspect authentic insect specimens. Insect anatomy is introduced and examined up-close. A container of creepy crawlers is divided into insects and non-insects. An ultraviolet powder demonstration lights up the truth on how insects spread pollen. Children learn how insects adapt by building insect puzzles at habitat stations. They examine a bag of insect defense representations and choose the one they want. An Insect-A-Vision Take-Home kit allows the junior entomologist to get bug-eyed at home!
Thanks to Rochester Lions Club for funding this and 2 other Mad Science programs for us this summer!
Fire and Ice Show with Mad Science
Saturday, July 16, 10:30-11:30 AM
Come challenge your brain to think "beyond the beaten path" This spectacular show thrills audiences with impressive science experiments. The event includes foggy dry ice storms and demonstrates how giant beach balls can float in the air. Students are amazed by sizzling, shivering scissors and special bubbly showers!
Registration is requiredand is limited to 30 children. All ages welcome to attend but this show is geared to children 5 and up.
Mr. Vinny's Bubble Show
Thursday, July 21, 6:00 PM
Join us outside for running, jumping, and bubble-popping fun! Mr. Vinny is bringing his hand-made, giant bubble wand to create floating blobs of soapy goodness. The kids can chase and pop to their heart’s delight, while Mr. Vinny plays music, tells jokes and answers questions. It will be good clean fun!
No registration required!
Both Mr. Vinny Bubble Guy shows are supported in part by a grant from the Rochester Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Orienteering with Boy Scout Troop #31
Saturday, July 23, 6:00-6:45 PM
Ever wonder how a compass works or have you thought "if I only knew how to use a compass I could find my way?". Join Troop 31's orienteering/compass class to learn how. This program is for children aged 10 and up. Registration is required and is limited to 15 children. This is an outdoor program, weather permitting.
Knots with Boy Scout Troop #31
Thursday, July 28, 5:00-6:00 PM
Have you ever thought…"I can’t tie a knot, so I’ll just tie a lot? " You won’t have to do that anymore after joining Troop 31 to learn some basic knots! This program is for children aged 5 and up.Registration is requiredand is limited to 30 children. This is an outdoor program, weather permitting.
STREAM project with Ms. Allison - Butterfly Chromatography
Tuesday, August 2, 1:00-2:15 PM
Be ready for an exciting STREAM project with Ms. Allison - Butterfly chromatography! Ms. Allison is a veteran member of Plumb Library's youth community service group, the Jr. Friends. This program is best suited for children ages 3 and up (younger children will need some adult help). The class will be held outdoors weather permitting.Registration is requiredand is limited to 15 children.
Bees, Birds, Bats, and Bugs with Ms. Maggie and the Marion Natural History Museum
Thursday, August 4, 4:30-5:30 PM
Join the world of pollinators with Ms. Maggie from the the Marion Natural History Museum! Ms. Maggie will help children learn about pollinators while doing some nature camp games! Each child will also build a pollinator house to take home.Registration is required. This program is best for ages 6-12, and registration is limited to 20 children. This is an outdoor program, weather permitting.
LAST DAY to turn in LOGS!
Saturday, August 6, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
The 2022 Library Program ENDS today! Make sure you turn in AT LEAST one log by 2:00 PM today to be eligible for a Captain Bonney's party invitation and other awards.
CAPTAIN BONNEY'S PARTY: August 13, 1:00 - 2:30 PM End of Program Celebration! BY INVITATION ONLY party for registered participants who turned in at least one completed log by August 6.
Registration Free Activities!
These Activities do not require registration!
Trail Tales
To support the Plumb Summer Library Program, Read Beyond the Beaten Path, there will be 2 summer Trail Tales both located at a new location, Doggett's Brook Recreational Area located off Dexter Lane.
The first summer Trail Tale story, One-Dog Canoe by Mary Casanova, will be available from June 19 through July 31, weather permitting. At the end of the story, you will be directed to Plumb Library to complete a story based scavenger hunt.
The second summer Trail Tale story, On Duck Pond by Jane Yolen, will be available from August 1 - September 18, weather permitting. At the end of the story, you will be directed to Plumb Library to complete a story based scavenger hunt.
Doggett's Brook Recreational Area is a property of the Rochester Conservation Commission and is accessible through the Dexter Lane ball fields and playground. Behind the playground, there will be a Trail Tale sign at the edge of the woods. For directions and a trail map go here: https://rochestermaconservation.com/pdf/doggett.pdf
The Plumb Library/Rochester Land Trust Trail Tale project is supported in part by a grant from the Rochester Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Scrambled Word
Starting the week of June 27 through the week of August 1, a summer themed scrambled word (aka the password) will be available to unscramble each week. A new word will be available every Monday for the week. There is a picture clue available for pre-readers! Ask for the scrambled word at the circulation desk. Quietly, share your answer with a librarian. If you are correct, you earn a small prize. To ensure that Ms. Gail is a part of the 2022 SLP, she has been challenged to provide all 6 scrambled words before she starts her retirement adventures.
Outside Seek-and-Find
Starting the week of June 27 through the week of August 1, come to the library find a summer library program related item hiding outside the library. This item will be in hiding for a week. Each Monday, for the week, a new item can be found. Quietly tell a librarian where it is to win a small prize!
Take and Make Craft Kits
Starting the week of June 27 through the week of August 1, come to the library and pick up a SLP themed craft kit, while supplies last. Every Monday there will be a new craft available.
Lawn Games
June 25 - August 6
Saturdays from 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM (weather permitting)
Starting June 25, several outdoor games will be available from 11 am - 1:30 pm every Saturday throughout the summer library program (weather permitting) until August 6. Drop by during those hours and play! Thank you to Troop 31 for sharing their games with us!
Created by: Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library 17 Constitution Way Rochester, Massachusetts 02770 (508)763-8600 www.plumblibrary.com/