By Tammy Gray Summertime activities in Holbrook are already underway with a wide variety of fun, educational and physical activities for youth of all ages. On Thursday morning an estimated 170 people showed up to the Holbrook Public Library’s summer reading kickoff and foam party. Librarian Wendy Skevington noted that she was unable to get an exact count, but said that a large crowd showed up to kick off the library’s summer activities. “It was a great turnout,” she said. “It was a ton of fun.” This was the library’s first time holding a foam party, and Skevington noted that it took many volunteers to pull it off. “We are so grateful,” she said, noting that although there were some technical difficulties everyone pitched in and the participants had a great time. In addition to the annual summer reading program, the library has a packed schedule of events this summer. On Thursdays in June and early July, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) take and make projects will be available at the library. The specific dates for picking up those projects are June 3, 10, 17, 24, and July 1 and 8. Other summer activities at the library include a pet parade at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 10, a Leap into Science workshop at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 24, a juggling and fun act by James Reid at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7, and the Wildman Phil show on Thursday, July 22, with the time to be announced. There will also be an end of summer water party at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 29. Skevington noted that the library is working hard to find a balance between safety and fun this summer. Most in-person activities are being held outdoors to accommodate varying levels of comfort and risk. Although a year-round program, the library is working on bringing back story-time for young children. “We’re working on it. We want to be able to do it safely and comfortably for everybody,” she remarked. “We’re looking at outside options, but our Holbrook winds have been an issue.” When the weather is cooperative enough to set exact dates and times they will be posted on the library’s website and Facebook page. Northland Pioneer College (NPC) is also hosting summer activities and classes for youth, but will do so virtually this summer with hopes of resuming in-person activities next summer. Kids College is free of charge this summer and classes videos will be e-mailed out weekly. Sign-up is available at any time and past classes will also be linked so that participants can watch them at any time. Instead of signing up for individual classes or topics, once students enroll in the free program, they can choose from any or all of the topics available. Beginning June 1, youth can also sign up for daily fun activities provided through NPC. Participants will receive a daily email containing fun videos, educational projects, and other activities designed to keep their minds busy throughout the summer months. The daily activities are also available at no charge. To join in on Kids College or the daily activities visit https://www.facebook.com/NPCkidsCollege or https://bit.ly/2ToJnUb. For additional fun, NPC will also be holding a free county-wide geo-cache scavenger hunt beginning on June 15 and ending on July 31. Sign ups are open now and more information on the scavenger hunt will be available soon. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/CommunityCorporateLearning or go to https://www.npc.edu/ccl-contact-form to sign up for e-mail notifications. The Holbrook swimming pool and splash pad both opened on May 28. Splash pad hours are 8 a.m. to dusk. Other activities available at the splash pad include mini-golf, shuffleboard, bocce ball and a batter’s box. Hours for the swimming pool are as follows: * Open swim, 1 to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Saturday. * Night swim, 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. * Lap swim, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Monday through Thursday. * Water Aerobics, 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. There is a charge of $12 per month for water aerobics. The first session of swimming lessons will begin on June 14 and run through June 25. The second session will be held June 28 through July 9. A third session will consist of private lessons. Sign-ups for swimming lessons will start at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 7, and will be on a first come, first served basis. The lessons are $12 per child and are available for ages five years old and up. Groups and individuals can rent the pool for private parties from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations can be made at city hall and must be paid in advance. Admission to the pool for the 2021 season is $1.25 for children age 15 and under; $1.75 for children age 16 and 17; $2.25 for adults up to age 61; and $2.00 for adults age 62 and over.
