Welcome to Summer Reading!
Big Kids Programs
The Ipswich Public Library Children’s Room will be celebrating the theme “Find Your Voice” throughout the summer. Please read carefully, as some events require registration and others offer registration in order to receive an email reminder for the program.
Special Author Event for Kids in August! Watch for registration information at the library web site starting on July 1, 2023
Watch for details of a very special program in August as the Ipswich Public Library welcomes author Jarrett Krosoczka – live and in-person for an author event.
Otha Day Drum to the Beat Kicks off Summer Reading for the Ipswich Public Library. It will be held at the Middle Green on the lawn of the Hall Haskell House at 36 S. Main St. on Friday, June 23 at 10 a.m. Participants may park in the Ascension Memorial Church lot, 31 County St. In case of rain, the program will be held indoors at Ipswich’s Winthrop School, 65 Central St.
The Children’s Room plans to kick off Summer Reading with this amazing drumming program that includes lots of audience participation. This is a family event for children and children at heart.
Otha Day facilitates fun and lively drum circle events that have the power to build community, promote well-being, and create joy. He supports awareness of the presence of rhythm in every act of living from his knowledge that “our heartbeat and breath is the rhythm of our soul and the connection to literally everyone.”
This program is made possible in part with funding from the Ipswich Cultural Council and MA Cultural Council. It is also supported by the Friends of the Ipswich Public Library.
Registration is not required. However, you may register online if you would like a reminder. To register for any children’s programs: Go to www.ipswichlibrary.org, click on “Events,” click on the program you want and a registration form will appear.
Topsfield Fair Read and Win at the Ipswich Public Library
Register in the IPL Children’s Room by July 12. Young readers set a goal for the number of books they will read or have read to them between June 12 and August 11, 2023. They keep track of their books on a reading log that the library will provide and check in with the Children’s Room when they have met their goal. Winner’s Prize Packages include: One admission ticket (for readers over 8, children under 8 are admitted into the fair for free), one hot dog and drink voucher that the winner can redeem once they are at the Fair, two ride tickets, a “Read and Win” ribbon and a “Read and Win” certificate.
At registration, readers can choose a “Find Your Voice” brag tag and chain necklace while supplies last.
Vehicle Day
Vehicle Day is a wonderful community event with rescue and construction vehicles and their operators! Friday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of the Ascension Church, 31 County Street, behind the library. Free hot dog picnic provided by the Trustees and the Friends of the Ipswich Public Library.
Travel to Ghana with Mrs. G.
Wednesday, June 28 at 6 p.m. join the Children’s Room’s Michelle Guvenderin to view slides of her visit to Ghana. She will share her experiences teaching in a small remote village and open a door for Ipswich families for insight into Ghanaian’s daily lives, culture, and especially their schooling. Registration is not required; however you may register online if you would like a reminder.
Vehicle Day
Vehicle Day is a wonderful community event with rescue and construction vehicles and their operators! Friday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of the Ascension Church, 31 County Street, behind the library. Free hot dog picnic provided by the Trustees and the Friends of the Ipswich Public Library.
Summer Book Clubs
“Big Head” Biography Book Club, Thursday, July 6, 3-4 p.m., for rising 3rd-5th graders. Read the assigned “big head” biography of an interesting historical figure, come talk about it with other readers, enjoy a snack, and participate in a fun activity based on the book. Books will be available for registrants several weeks before the program meets.
“I Survived” Book Club: Thursday, Aug. 10, 3-4 p.m., for rising 3rd-5th graders Read the assigned “I Survived” book about a fascinating historical flashpoint in American history, come talk about it with other readers, enjoy a snack, and participate in a fun activity based on the book. Books will be available for registrants several weeks before the program meets.
Summer Radical Readers, Friday, July 14 and Thursday, Aug. 17, 3-4 p.m., for rising 4th and 5th graders
For children who have previously participated in Radical Readers or for those who would like to see what it’s all about! Read an assigned book prior to each meeting, and come talk about it with other kids who also love books! A snack will be provided. Books will be available for registrants several weeks before each group meets.
Vehicle Day
Vehicle Day is a wonderful community event with rescue and construction vehicles and their operators! Friday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of the Ascension Church, 31 County Street, behind the library. Free hot dog picnic provided by the Trustees and the Friends of the Ipswich Public Library.
Registration is required for all Early Literacy programs. Go to www.ipswichlibrary.org, click on “Events,” click on the program you want and a registration form will appear.
Thursday morning crafts
A Drop-In Craft program held Thursday mornings from July 20 to August 24 at 10 a.m. Check the online calendar or pick up a calendar in the Children’s Room. These crafts are more intricate and challenging and are intended for school-age children. Each child under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver to actively assist with the craft. No registration required.
Summer Photo Contest
Contestants are invited to submit one photograph each week. There are two age groups, ages 6 to 9 and 10 to 13. Submissions must be digital photographs. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to enter each week and may enter from their vacation spot! There is a deadline each week for the photos to be received. The theme for the July 12 is “Animals, Wild or Tame,” for July 19, “Focus on Nature,” for July 26 “Architecture” and for August 2 Portrait Mode.
Each week the winning photographs will be featured in the Ipswich Local News and winners will receive a small prize. Mark your calendars for Aug. 8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for the Photo Exhibit and Reception where all submissions will be matted and hung for the public to see!
Register online at https://www.ipswichlibrary.org/calendar and click on July 12. You only need to register once.
Stop by the Children’s Room for more information or to register in-person.
Early Literacy Summer Programs
Preschool Takeout Craft
Each month a preschool craft is prepared and packaged up for young patrons to take home to complete. All of the pieces are provided. Patrons often just need scissors and glue. Pick up craft packets at the Children’s Circulation Desk at the first of each month while supplies last.
Mother Goose on the Loose!
An interactive early literacy program for caregivers with infants through 2-year-olds. Songs, stories, music and finger-plays for caregivers and babies to enjoy together. Ipswich Children’s Room staff are trained in the presentation of this renowned program. Registration is required.
Mother Goose Lap Sit! This program is designed especially for caregivers with infants through pre-walkers. An interactive program of songs, stories and finger-plays for caregivers and babies to enjoy together on Wednesdays at 9 a.m.
Story Time For caregivers with children ages 2 to Kindergarten. Adults interact with the child in their care while listening to stories, singing songs, dancing, drumming and participating in large motor-skill activities. The story topic areas are often enhanced with creative flannel board art. This is a great program not only for parents, but for grandparents and their grandchildren or for caregivers who want to participate in Story Time with the children in their care. Siblings welcome. During the summer, this program is on Fridays at 10 a.m.
Music for the Little Ones with Eric Clemenzi and family
A wonderful opportunity to expose children to music in a group setting. Caregivers and children are invited to sing and dance together! Wheels on the bus and Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes and other classic children’s favorites
Offered in the summer of 2023 on July 17 and August 7 at 10 a.m. in the Collins Room at the Ipswich Public Library. Registration is required.
Elementary Schools Reading Lists 2023:
Doyon Elementary School (Summer 2023, K to 5) – Click HERE for your assignment.
Winthrop Elementary School (Summer 2023, K to 5) – Click HERE for your assignment.
Children’s Room Annual Photo Contest
Register HERE, ages 6-13. You only need to register once but may participate all four weeks. For contest guidelines and themes, click HERE. First photo due Wed., July 12!
Moving on up to 6th Grade?
Click HERE to learn more about your summer reading over on the Teen Page!