The Children’s Room at the Rochester Public Library closed out the Summer Reading Program with visits to each elementary school to recognize students’ achievements and encourage reading throughout the school year.

This year’s “Color Our World” theme inspired children to embark on a journey of art and creativity, celebrating the many ways in which art enriches our lives. The Rochester School District and Library staff, with support from the Rochester Rotary Club, collaborated to kick off the program with a colorful skit that encouraged students to read and join the library’s summer activities.

“Throughout the summer, the library was able to offer an array of art-based programs in a variety of art forms by Lindsey and Her Puppet Pals, Mudcity Clay, Four Winds Nature Institute, Home Depot, local music teacher Abby Keller, and Magic by Sages Entertainment.”

Library staff also offered a full schedule of programs, including Cardboard Chaos, where the community room was filled with cardboard boxes of all sizes, child-safe cutting tools, markers, and tape. Children had two hours to use their imaginations and create designs of their choosing.

“My personal favorite was the program that brought clients from the Rochester Easterseals day program together with our summer readers to create watercolor canvases, enjoy a snack, and socialize.”

Paquette expressed thanks to the local businesses that generously sponsored the program: JetPack Comics, Lone Oak Ice Cream, Golick’s Dairy Bar, and Potter’s House Bakery.

For more information on future library events and initiatives, visit www.rpl.lib.nh.us.