Looking for a fun way to get the kids out and about this summer? These free programs will entertain kids and teens throughout the summer vacation, and even help them pick up some new skills along the way. (Registration required unless otherwise noted)
1. Become an inventor. Calling all kid geniuses: Turn your great ideas into dollars and become a patented inventor all on your own. A volunteer from SCORE, a national nonprofit for free small business advice, will teach kids how to become patented inventors and make money off their great ideas – without hiring a lawyer! Bring a pen and paper. Grades 3-8. Friday, July 17, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
2. Meet dog heroes and hear their stories. These dogs are a lot more than just man’s best friend. From dogs that help local police officers fight crime, to guide dogs that act as the eyes and ears for disabled persons, these are dogs that are making a real difference in the community. Head to the library July 22, 4-5 p.m. to meet a crime-fighting dog from the Riverhead Police Department; July 28, 1-2 p.m. to meet and learn about guide dogs; and August 4, 12-1 p.m. Grades 3-12.
3. Geek out at RivCon 2015. Test your knowledge in Harry Potter and Hunger Games trivia contests, learn professional techniques for manga and comic book creation, compete in a Magic: the Gathering competition and show off your best cosplay at the library’s annual pop culture convention. Crafts, henna tattoos, face painting and video games will also be available. School age children to young adults welcome. Monday, August 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
4. Play Minecraft with friends. The popular open-ended building block game is available to play at the Riverhead Free Library! Team up with other adventurers and craft your own world in sessions throughout the summer. For grades 2-4, there are two sections on Fridays: July 25 at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., August 14 at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., and September 18 at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. For grades 3-8, there are also two sections on Fridays from 6 p.m.-6:45 p.m. and 7 p.m.-7:45 p.m.: July 10, August 14 and September 25.
5. Be amazed by a comedy magic show. Magician John Reid will blow your mind with incredible magic tricks and lots of laughs. This interactive magic show has a lot of audience participation, so you can even volunteer to get in on the act. All ages welcome, no registration required. Friday, July 10 5-6 p.m.
6. Go to superhero school. Discover your superpower and make friends with other superheroes at Superhero Academy. Grades K-2: Tuesdays, July 7 & 21 from 10-30 – 11:15 a.m. Grades 3-5: Tuesdays, July 14 & 28 from 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
7. Join the teen tech squad and help older people with their devices. Do you need more community service for your college applications? Help out the tech-illiterate with their cell phones, tablets and computers and get some community service hours in return! Grades 7-12. Tuesdays July 28, August 4 and September 15 from 6-7 p.m. Saturdays July 11, August 8 and September 26, 12-1 p.m.
8. Become a certified babysitter. This class will teach you everything you need to know about taking care of kids responsibly, including child safety and development as well as games and activities you can play with the little ones. At the end, you’ll earn a course completion certificate from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County. Grades 6-8. Thursday, July 9, 5-8 p.m.
9. Go on a seashore safari. Hands-on learning about all kinds of critters in local waters, including horsehoe crabs, sea stars, snails and shellfish. Grades K-4. Tuesday, July 15, 3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
And don’t forget to sign up to win prizes for summer reading at the library’s Summer Reading Incentive Program! You can read any book you want, and if you’re in grades 5-12 you’re eligible to earn community service hours for each book you read.
For more information about programs, classes and trips at the Riverhead Free Library this summer, see the library’s online newsletter.
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