Swarthmore Public Library Programs Warm up the Summer
SPL’s Wonderful Wednesdays begin at the amphitheater on June 27.
School’s out, and hot summer activities and programs for students and adults have already begun. Here’s a sampling of what’s going on in and around the library at 121 Park Avenue. For adults:
History of European Art Series: Meeting on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon, “A History of European Art” is your gateway to a visually stunning story. In 48 beautifully illustrated lectures — three will be shown each Thursday, with a break for refreshments and discussion — you will encounter all the landmarks you would expect to find in a comprehensive survey of Western art since the Middle Ages. Works such as Giotto’s Arena chapel, Van Eyck’s Ghent altarpiece, Leonardo’s The Last Supper, Michelangelo’s David, Vermeer’s View of Delft, Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Picasso’s Guernica, and hundreds more. Register for the lecture series at swarthmorepubliclibrary.org/events.
“Eyes of the Wild”: Humans celebrate the first man on the moon, but did you know that many of our animal friends had already made this trip to space before we did? This program on Friday, June 28, at 6 p.m. will show how animals have helped us understand space, and how they — and we — adapt to new environments.
Kids have even more going on at SPL. Let’s start with the Great Swarthmore Scavenger Hunt. It’s back! The hunt starts at the library, where you’ll get clues that will start you on a quest for locations around Swarthmore. When you find the secret word at each place, return to the library to get the next clue. Complete the scavenger hunt to be invited to an end-of-summer ice cream party at Little Crum Creek Park. Those who can arrange the words into the correct phrase will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize.
Summer Quest 2019 is a game every kid can win. Come by the library to pick up a Summer Quest game board. Complete the activities and when you reach a prize square, return to the library to get a prize. Some activities include drawing, doing a science experiment, visiting a park, and of course, reading! Register at swarthmorepubliclibrary.org/children.
Wonderful Wednesdays bring special performances to the Swarthmore town center amphitheater almost every Wednesday (weather permitting), with puppeteers, magicians, scientists, musicians, and more! All ages are welcome to Wonderful Wednesdays, which begin next week, June 26, as Sciencetellers combine exciting experiments with dynamic storytelling. After the July 4 holiday, the series continues:
July 10 - Story Up! An interactive improv show based on stories and ideas from the kids.
July 17 - DJ Mixup: Duo combines popular books to create an original story.
July 24 - Digger & Dave: Hilarious and interactive puppet show.
July 31 - Makin’ Music: Music and movement enrichment program.
August 7 - Allison DeSalvo’s World of Song: A sing-along concert with award winning children’s entertainer Allison DeSalvo.
August 14 - Global Tots with Roberta Halpern: Travel to fun (imaginary) places with this role-playing dance & movement program.