Newfield library getting ready for summer events

As the weather warms up, along with the decreasing coronavirus cases and increasing number of people fully vaccinated, programs and events are returning to our lives.

That is the case at Newfield Public Library, which is hosting its first in-person game night since the start of the pandemic, with team trivia taking place at 6:30 p.m. June 17. The competition will take place outside under the Mason’s pavilion, so people are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs. If it rains, the family-friendly event will be moved inside.

Space is limited to just 20 people, with teams of one to four, and registration is required. To register, find the link at newfieldpubliclibrary.org/4081-2.

Library Director Sue Chaffee said nicer weather is the main reason why in-person events can take place.

“This particular team trivia game format will work better in person,” she said.

Chaffee said the library will be offering many of their events and programs with a hybrid model — in person while also using the Zoom platform to allow for online access.

“We do also want to be supportive of the folks who can’t come out,” she said. “As much as people want to get together in person, there are some people for whom online works really well. We want to accommodate them.”

Storytime, which takes place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and is still online, will resume its in-person format with the summer reading program kickoff July 1. But the Zoom component will be retained.

“A good example [of positive use of technology] is online storytime, where out-of-state family members join in and get to see their cousins on Zoom and participate in storytime together,” Chaffee said, adding that keeping the online aspect improves access. “We’ve got some families who can’t come in, day care providers where it’s more convenient for them to join in online.”

There have been a few in-person events already, she said, noting that the last couple of monthly Sciencenter sessions have taken place that way. The next Sciencenter gathering will be at 3:30 p.m. June 23.

“We’re building boats,” Chaffee said. “We’re providing the water and vessel for the water to be in. They’re going to bring the materials and instructions and lead the program.”

The Sciencenter has been running the monthly all-ages program in Newfield for almost a year, she said.

“We’ve been doing it through Zoom and take-home kits,” Chaffee said. “They would put the materials together and bring it to us, and then we would get them to the families prior to the event.”

While details are still being finalized for the summer reading program, Chaffee said the kickoff event July 1 will allow people to come register, get their welcome package and have an opportunity to visit the library.

“One of the things we’re doing is all participants will be able to adopt a pet, a stuffed animal,” she said. “But they have to commit to reading to it every day.”

Chaffee said the library is hoping the kickoff event will help it reach people who are not already library users.

“Come, sign up,” she said. “If people are not familiar with us, they can meet our staff and get a library card.”

Also coming up this month, the library will be taking part in Giving is Gorges, the online countywide nonprofit fundraising day June 23. Chaffee said the library will be promoting the event on social media and at the building, encouraging donors to make contributions to support the organization.

“It’s a great opportunity for folks to support our library,” she said.

The library is open from 2 to 5 p.m. Monday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. It’s “pretty much completely open at this point,” Chaffee said. No appointments are necessary to visit.

For more information, visit newfieldpubliclibrary.org.