Haddonfield is a town well known for its diverse offerings for residents and visitors. However, not all are free, and those things can add up, especially for families with children.
With the Haddonfield Public Library, many programs are offered free for residents.
This summer the library is offering a multitude of free programs for children and teens, ranging from crafts to reading to science.
During the library renovations, programming for children is being held at Borough Hall in the auditorium during the daytime. Teen craft events are also being held at Borough Hall in room 201.
Haddonfield library teen programs are running through the first week of August. Teen programs are for teens 12 to 18 years old, or sixth graders through high school seniors.
When teens attend the summer teen programs, they are put into a drawing for a gift certificate at one of the downtown eateries.
This summer, the library is offering teen craft events, held in room 201 at Borough Hall on Monday afternoons at 3 p.m. They include: July 20, the use fabrics, button covers and decorations to make embellished jewelry or hair clips; July 27, a nail art event where you can use different nail polished to paint your nails and decorate them with some nail art; and Aug. 3, the creation and decoration of a collage or memory box to fill with summer memories.
“We provide all of the supplies. We just encourage the teens to come out and have a good time. They can bring out their own stuff if they want, but we have enough supplies for everyone as well,” Erica Coonelly, library teen coordinator, said.
For teen programs, the library would like people to pre-register, however walk-ins are accepted.
“Register at the library or email me, but it is not mandatory,” Coonelly said.
Also, on Monday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. teens can speak to Coonelly to learn about the new digital programs at the library.
“They can come in anytime, but I will be there Monday nights,” Coonelly said.
Coonelly’s favorite part of the teen programs are seeing them come out and have fun with one another. She hopes those who attend take away the knowledge that the library is more than just taking out books.
She also hopes that teens get involved with the library’s Teen Advisory Board, which is on hold until the fall. Contact Coonelly at ecoonelly@haddonfieldlibrary.org if interested in joining.
For children, summer programing runs until the end of August. The programs run in different age groups.
Some of the summer programs include science classes such as Super Scientists and Junior Scientists; art classes by Paint a Treasure and Abrakadoodle; an Adventure Aquarium visit on Aug. 7; and The Bug Lady visit on Aug. 28. Students must preregister for all of the summer programs.
For the younger crowd, the library offers Baby Bookworms, Toddler Time and Little Listeners. Baby Bookworms must be registered for and the summer is full. The fall still has open spots. Toddler Time and Little Listeners require no registration.
The summer programing will conclude with the End of Summer Party on Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. at Borough Hall. For kids who have signed up for the summer reading program, they have to have read six books to earn their prize. Also at the party will be a magic show, water ice and door prizes.
Offered year-round is also the book club for ages 8 to 12. Contact children’s librarian Jordan Bilodeau at jbilodeau@haddonfieldlibrary.org for more information on any of these programs.
“The library offers a lot of programs throughout the year. The summer programs are great because it brings a lot of kids in the library. We see a lot of new patrons coming in and checking out a lot of books; it is great in the summer,” Bilodeau said.
When the renovations are complete, the library will have larger areas for both teens and children, and a space just for teens.
“What we are hoping for is to have a relaxed atmosphere for teens to work on projects and to have a place to hang out after school,” Coonelly said.
As for the children, Bilodeau said they will have a larger space and possibly maker spaces. Through those, she hopes to offer more children’s programs like Lego or Play-Doh events.
“I think we’ll be able to offer a lot of really fun programs for the kids,” Bilodeau said.
All of the programing is free and provided by the Friends of the Library.
“I’d like to thank the staff at the borough for accommodating the summer programs while we’re under renovations. I really appreciate it,” Bilodeau said.
To see more summer library programs or to sign up for some upcoming ones go to the Haddonfield Public Library website at www.haddonfieldlibrary.org or call (856) 429–1304.
