Photo by Isabell Macrina
Peasely starts the event off right with music for everyone
By Isabell Macrina
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The rain chose the same day as Sherborn Library to send off summer, but the librarians didn’t let that stop the party! For their Summer Reading Finale, the original plan was for a picnic, concert, and an outdoor movie. Thankfully, everything but the movie was portable, so the party moved to the inside of the library.
The Sherborn summer reading program runs for all ages. Earlier this summer, patrons signed up through a form and got a registration prize, with adults getting a book and kids getting that plus a notebook. According to Teen Librarian Quincy Knapp, this was the library’s second year using this system and they saw increased participation. It’s no wonder; local parents were appreciative of the library and its various activities for their kids.
Among the patrons were a father and his daughter who come to the library at least a couple times a week. He is grateful for the encouragement they have for his daughter to read, while she is always excited to see “princesses and germs and superheroes!” A mother and her children talked about the variety of toys and puzzles they provide, and a lot of interesting programs to encourage participation! They love how it is a welcoming, not too busy or overwhelming environment.
After an indoor picnic complete with pizza and popcorn, the concert could begin. Stacey Peasley was booked for the event. With music designed to engage and inspire children, Peasley’s goal is to entertain children and families alike.
As a teacher, Peasley works with children every day and gets to know them, finding out what they want to sing about. “In real time seeing their response to music and movement is one of my joys in life,” Peasley said. She was happy to be booked for the event, saying how crucial libraries are for children and the amount of effort the Sherborn librarians put in for the kids is heartwarming.
Peasley was determined to bring the same energy to the concert that she would have outdoors. With Dave on keyboard and Mark on drums, the band already had kids dancing during their soundcheck. When asked if they were excited, most of the kids nodded with wide smiles, some shyly from behind their parents.
The songs of the night started with one of the most classic childhood themes: trains. Peasley brought the kids into the song with her, having them be the train wheels and speed up with the music. It was a story for the kids to go through, taking the train to the beach and beyond, all through songs.
Summer reading is a wonderful way to encourage kids to read, especially when they have a community space to enjoy it. They made fast friends and showed off their reading while having a fun night, all to celebrate their choice to read during the summer.
