By Julia McCane-Knox
The Adams County Public Library is offering a full calendar of free programs this August, giving residents of all ages opportunities to read, create, play, and connect with others. Each library will host activities designed to bring the community together, including an ice cream-themed scavenger hunt, weekly Storytimes, family nights, crochet gatherings, and book clubs.
The Manchester Library will wrap up the summer with an Ice Cream Scavenger Hunt from August 12-26. Participants of all ages are invited to search the children’s section for hidden ice cream pictures and mark their discoveries on a library map. Everyone who completes the scavenger hunt will receive a small prize. Patrons may participate anytime during regular library hours.
Families with young children are encouraged to attend the library’s weekly Storytimes, where stories, songs and interactive activities help foster a love of reading while building early literacy skills. Storytime is held every Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the North Adams Library, every Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Manchester and Peebles libraries, every Thursday at 11 a.m. at the West Union Library and every Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Manchester Library, providing both daytime and evening opportunities for families to attend.
Manchester Library will also host Family Game Day on Wednesday, August 12 at 2:30 p.m. Participants can choose from a variety of board games, including classic favorites and newer titles, for an afternoon filled with friendly competition.
Family Night returns on Thursday, August 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the West Union Library. Families are invited to spend the evening together playing board games, watching a movie, and enjoying time with one another in a relaxed setting.
Children can continue exploring creativity through Smorgasbord Makerspace, held every Wednesday after school at 2:30 p.m. at the Peebles Library. The program offers hands-on projects that encourage imagination, creativity and problem-solving.
Those interested in crochet are invited to participate in Booked and Hooked, a new weekly group at the West Union Library beginning Wednesday, August 5 at 5 p.m. The group welcomes crocheters of every skill level, from experienced crafters to those who have never picked up a crochet hook. Participants are encouraged to bring a current project, exchange ideas, learn new techniques and enjoy conversation in a welcoming environment.
Readers can also join one of the library system’s three book clubs. The Peebles Library Book Club meets the fourth Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m., with the next discussion scheduled for Monday, August 24, featuring The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. The Novels and Nibbles Book Club at the North Adams Library meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m., with the next meeting on Thursday, August 28 to discuss A Borrowing of Bones by Paula Munier. The Shelf Indulgence Book Club at the West Union Library will meet on Thursday, August 27 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss Redemption by Karen Kingsbury. Copies of each month’s featured title are available to borrow from the participating libraries. Digital editions may also be accessed through the Libby app using a valid library card.
Patrons can visit adamscolibrary.org, follow the library’s social media pages, or contact the library for more information about upcoming events and services: Manchester Library at 937-549-3359, North Adams Library at 937-386-2556, Peebles Library at 937-587-2085, West Union Library at 937-544-2591