by Amy Whitney, Branch Administrator, Thurmont Regional Library/Emmitsburg Branch Library
Fifty years ago this summer, my family took a vacation to Florida to watch the blast-off of Apollo 11—man’s first trip to the moon. It was a rare adventure, and I can remember standing on a hot, sandy beach watching as the rocket’s engine flared off into the great Florida sky. At that moment, even as a kid, I knew I was a witness to history!
Now half-a-century later, we’re celebrating one of our country’s most amazing achievements with all sorts of space adventures at our libraries. Here in the North County on Saturday, July 13, we’ll countdown to our two “pop-up” planetarium shows, with a space Storytime and activity at 10:05 a.m. Then at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., kids can view the universe, including planets, stars, constellations, and the moon inside the indoor planetarium (space is limited and tickets will be available that day). On Monday, July 15, at 7:00 p.m., National Park Service Ranger Ron Harvey will share stories of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing as part of our Family Night on the Deck series.
Teens are invited to celebrate all things Star Wars at a Party on Tuesday, July 30, at 2:00 p.m.—come connect with fellow fans with a love of space adventures!
Celebrate the lunar landing at the Emmitsburg Branch on July 20 at 11:00 a.m., with a day of rocket launches, crafts, and other space-themed activities for the entire family. Then, at noon, bring a packed lunch, learn about keeping our Earth healthy, and enjoy the feature film WALL-E with the whole family.
We have several Music and Arts programs on the Deck as well. Kids, ages 3-10, are invited for Firework Painting at 7:00 p.m. on July 1; a Freeze Dance Paint Party at 7:00 p.m. on July 29 and at 2:00 p.m. on July 22; all ages are invited to an introduction to Japanese Taiko Drumming.
On July 18 at 7:00 p.m., delight your senses with the exhilarating Russian folk dancers, Barynya, who have appeared on the Today Show. And, finally, on July 28 at 2:00 p.m., hear the uplifting sounds of the Flower Hill String Band, part of our Music on the Deck series.
For a complete list of programs and services, or for answers to all your information needs, contact the library at 301-600-7212 or visit www.fcpl.org.
The following is a list of weekly programs at the Thurmont Regional Library: Mondays—Musical Storytime (ages birth & up), Thurmont, 10:15-10:45 a.m.; Tuesdays—Baby Storytime (ages birth-24 months), 10:15-10:45 a.m.; Toddler Storytime (age 2), 11-11:30 a.m.; Playgroup (ages birth-5), 11:30 a.m.-noon; Space Camp (ages 4-10), 1:00-2:00 p.m.; Wednesdays—Midweek Makers (ages 3-10), 10:15 a.m-2:00 p.m.; School Skills for Preschoolers (ages 3-5), 11:00-11:30 a.m.; Thursdays—Baby Storytime (ages birth-24 months), 10:15-10:45 a.m.; Toddler Storytime (age 2), 11-11:30 a.m.; Playgroup (ages birth-5), 11:30 a.m.-noon; Nature Sprouts (ages 3-10), 2:00-3:00 p.m.; Saturdays—Universe of Stories Storytime (ages 3-10), 10:05-10:45 a.m. www.fcpl.org.
