Cornwall Public Library is rolling out a fresh set of summer activities this year, bringing new hands-on programs for all ages to its downtown location. From chess lessons taught by a local enthusiast to a puzzle contest and clay pottery workshop, the library is hoping to draw in residents looking for free or low-cost ways to stay engaged this season. The new offerings join the library’s popular Summer Reading Club, which officially launched earlier in June.
The new activities include Chess for Children, where kids 16 and under can learn the game from Cornwall chess aficionado Clifford Labre. Teens and adults can team up for a Puzzle Contest running Saturday, June 20 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., testing pairs on their speed and teamwork. There is also a drawing club for beginners and a clay pottery workshop that teaches air-dry clay techniques. Families with young children can take part in Weekend Wonder craft sessions, like making stained glass-style pasta mosaics, and After School Story Dice storytelling activities.
The Summer Reading Club, a long-running library tradition, is back with this year’s theme “Down to Earth.” It runs from July 2 to August 22 for children up to 13 years old and typically sees 400 to 500 sign-ups each summer. Programming coordinator Alexandra Sylvester said past clubs have logged more than 10,000 books read. “Usually there are 400 to 500 who sign up,” Sylvester said of the free program.
Outreach coordinator Frank Burelle highlighted the role community partners play in making the summer lineup possible. The Rotary Club of Cornwall donated $1,000 to support the Summer Reading Club this year. “The support is huge,” Burelle said. Other partners include SDG Turtles, the River Institute, and Cornwall Transit, which offers free bus rides to Reading Club participants through the Read to Ride initiative.
Residents can find the full list of events and registration details on the library’s website. The library is located at 45 Second Street East in downtown Cornwall.
