It is that time when school books are handed in and the Bradford Area Public Library is busy offering a variety of summer workshops for area children.  “We have a lot of interesting and fun things planned for this summer,” says Marie Troskosky, the teen and tween book clubs’ advisor.   “Many of the workshops offer students in grades 5-12 a chance to use their leisure time in creative and artistic pursuits while enjoying the company of other kids.”  All workshops are free, as they are supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. “Some events have registration limits so students should sign up online as soon as possible,” advises Troskosky.

 In June, BAPL is offering three workshops for students in grades 5-12 to be held from 3 – 5 PM.  Beginning on June 17, Pitt-Bradford Director of Arts, Courtney Mealy will lead a polymer clay workshop for students to make clay jewelry, magnets, and keychains.  This workshop is limited to 15 students. On June 18 and June 20, students will use Lego kits to construct well-known landmarks with the help of a professor from UPB (tba).  A writing workshop will take place on June 19 for students to create their own stories using story starters.  June will finish with “Patch Poetry” from 5 – 6:30 PM.  Patch Poetry uses scrapbooking material to create a collage based around a poem, favorite lyrics or inspirational quotes.   It will be led by Troskosky.  

 The creativity continues throughout the month of July.  Local youth will be treated to their own Maker’s Space.   “We’re going to try something new for the kids, a space for them to work on their own projects and artistic endeavors, “ explained Troskosky.  Every Tuesday in July from 11 AM – 4 PM, Room A at the library, will be open for students to work individually or with friends.  A variety of materials will be available to ignite their imaginations.  Paper, colored pencils, paints, rocks, magnets, and Legos are just a few of the offerings.

On July 15, Courtney Mealy will return to lead a Linoleum Print workshop for students in grades 5 – 12 from 5 – 6:30 PM, and will be limited to fifteen (15). Registered participants will cut their own design from a linoleum block and then print that design on paper provided, and they can also make their own note cards from their design.

Pitt-Bradford English professor, Dr. Nancy McCabe will be offering a poetry workshop for students in grades 8 – 12th on Wednesday, July 10 from 3:30 -5 PM.  She will return to BAPL on July 16 to speak with the Middle Ground and Teen Book Clubs about her science fiction YA novel “Vaulting Through Time” at 5 PM in the library’s Community Room.  All are invited to attend.

August will round out the summer break with BAPL offering its annual Summer Readathon for students in grades 5 – 12.  Attendees are invited to relax in the Teen Reading Lounge and read from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.  Refreshments are provided and students are given food coupons from local restaurants. There will be a raffle for all students who participated in all or part of the Readathon.  A raffle ticket is put in the basket for every half hour students read.  The selected ticket wins a $25 gift certificate.  

The final workshop, Marilla Nature Hike, will be held on August 12.  Registered participants will board a school bus at BAPL at 9 AM and travel to Marilla Reservoir.   Once there, students will be given a first-hand look at nature by Pitt-Bradford Biology professor, Dr. Mulcahy.  Savannah Barr will provide students with a few cameras to take photographs of nature during the hike.  The event will finish with lunch at the library and Barr teaching students a simple method for developing their own black and white photographs. Preregistration is required and will be limited to twenty-five students.  Parents are encouraged to contact BAPL’s Children’s Coordinator, Bonnie Leposa with any questions at 814-362-6527, or email, program@bradfordlibrary.org.

Lastly, Miss Bonnie says, “Do not worry!  We haven’t forgotten about our youngest library patrons!  We have a full agenda of fun programs planned for the children.  From the youngest (infants) to those in fifth (5^th) grade!”  BAPL’s summer reading program for this age group begins on June 18, so check this site for more details in the coming days.