Events
6/5/2024 - Summer 2024 Youth Programs at Cumberland County Library
Summer 2024 Children & Teen Programs at the Cumberland County
Library*
*Programs are subject to change without notice. Contact the Youth Services Department at 856-453-2210 x. 26105 or terrica@cclnj.org for information.
PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN
Summer Reading Program Begins!
June 24 – August 3
“Adventure Begins at Your Library” this summer! The Cumberland County Library is inviting readers of all ages to discover new adventures as the library presents its 2024 Summer Reading Program! The program runs June 24 through August 3 and features a wide variety of special events for infants through adults. Activities include story times, S.T.E.A.M. programs, family nights, and much more! In addition to attending programs, participants can log their reading for chances to win weekly incentives and prize drawings. Registration for “Adventure Begins at Your Library” begins on June 24 and patrons can register in person at the library or online beginning June 17. For more information, please visit cclnj.org or call (856) 453-2210 Ext. 26105.
Baby/Toddler Time
Mondays, June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
10:30 a.m.
Children ages 2 and younger and a caregiver are invited for stories, songs and fingerplays! Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/hH77Ubq4QgkTh4wv6
Lunch & Learn at the Library!
Mondays through Fridays, June 24 - August 2 12-1 p.m.
Children and teens ages 18 and younger are invited to join us for a fun activity and a FREE nutritious meal! Each day we’ll feature a different activity – coloring, games, stories, crafts and movies – as well as a free meal provided by the USDA’s Summer Food Program. Please note: meals are only available for those ages 18 and younger. Children ages 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times. For more information, please call (856) 453-2210 Ext. 26105. Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/PNBH5cJsKpjVEu9o9
S. T. E. A. M. Wednesdays for Ages 9 and up
Wednesdays, June 26, July 3, 10, 17, & 24
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Kids ages 9 and up are invited to join us as we blend science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics with books! Each week we’ll feature stories, fun experiments and activities having to do with our summer reading theme “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/7PcbgM7e21YR4mqn8
Family Night – Snakes & Scales presents “Radical Reptiles!
Wednesday, June 26, 6:30 p.m.
Families are invited to discover the world of Radical Reptiles in this fascinating show presented by Snakes & Scales! Slither down to the library to meet some spectacular snakes, lizards and turtles! Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/tt4quDWwZUTSZe637
Story Time
Thursdays, June 27, July 11, 18, 25 & August 1
10:30 a.m.
Children ages 3-5 and a caregiver can join us as we share stories, songs, movement activities and a craft! Library story times are a fun way to help your child develop skills they will need to be ready to read. Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/yeLbZSCFMiJesNVM6
Together Time with Appel Farm
Fridays, June 28, July 12, 19 & 26, and August 2
10 a.m.
Children ages 12 months through Kindergarten and their caregivers are invited to play, explore, discover, and create together! Our journey each week begins with a shared picture book to spark excitement and engagement around a new theme. Participants discover hands-on ways to learn, create, and have fun through music, movement, sensory, and art activities. Play clothes are recommended for kids and adults! Registration through the Appel Farm registration link is required. Registration link:
Drum2BFit for Kids!
Saturday, June 29, 10:30 a.m.
Kids ages 3-12 are invited to participate in a fun, high energy program that combines cardio and music while beating a drum to their favorite tunes! Miss Val, a certified cardio drumming instructor, will guide kids through basic movements like squatting, bending, twisting and drumming. This class promotes physical health, boosts mental health and just happens to be a whole lot of fun! All equipment will be provided. Registration is required. Registration link:
Family Night: Lego Club!
Wednesday, July 3, 6-7 p.m.
“Adventure Begins” when we build with our bricks! Make your ideas come to life with our large assortment of bricks and mini-figures in a friendly environment. Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/V5Rtp12kVZJP2q2D6
Experiential Arts Lab with Appel Farm for grades K-4
Mondays, July 8, 15, 22 & 29
2 p.m.
Join us for a transformative arts and learning experience! Students immerse themselves in games and techniques exploring various forms of creative enrichment including dance and movement, music and sound, and visual arts. Arts Lab kids develop their artistic skills, learn to express themselves, and have fun! Registration through the Appel Farm registration link is required. Registration link: https://appel-farm.coursestorm.com/category/cumberland-county-library
Family Night – Rick Waterhouse Presents “The Chef and His Dragon Adventure!”
Thursday, July 11, 6:30 p.m.
Families are invited to a fun, interactive show featuring original music, puppets and a six-foot long dragon! When an angry dragon arrives at their kingdom, Chef Alfredo and King Rupert (with the help of the audience) must find a way to save the kingdom! Recommended for ages 4-10, this show is sure to be a hit with the entire family. Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/UELGqh2NjiaCh3r49
Dungeons and Dragons for Ages 10-12
Saturday, July 13, 2-4 p.m.
Come learn the basics of character creation, role playing, combat skills, and more of Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. Players of all experience levels are welcome but the program is geared towards beginner players. Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/gNRjwy6rNbYat1eM8
Family Night – FURever As Friends
Thursday, July 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Kids and teens of all ages are invited to come read to a fabulous furry friend! FURever As Friends therapy pet teams will be available to help kids practice their reading. Participants can bring a book from home or choose one at the library. Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/NR3PoBcexpcAGXNF8
Drum2BFit for Kids!
Monday, July 22, 6:30 p.m.
Kids ages 3-12 are invited to participate in a fun, high energy program that combines cardio and music while beating a drum to their favorite tunes! Miss Val, a certified cardio drumming instructor, will guide kids through basic movements like squatting, bending, twisting and drumming. This class promotes physical health, boosts mental health and just happens to be a whole lot of fun! All equipment will be provided. Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/Dsyuv4cn53iLb7z3A
Family Night – Science Heroes: Adventure of the Lost Treasure!
Wednesday, July 24, 6:30 p.m.
Science and stories collide in this exciting, interactive show for families! We’ll go treasure hunting deep into the jungle and explore several exciting science concepts along the way. Audience members will help act out the story and conduct experiments with air pressure, energy transfer, physical vs. chemical changes and more! This program is recommended for kids 5-12. Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/28iUu2qsbKkeJX6D6
Critters, Creeks and Coasts!
Wednesday, July 31, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Explore the critters that live in aquatic habitats from creeks to the coast! Join the American Littoral Society for a hands-on program for ages 6 and up, and discover insects that live in freshwater streams, oysters and other creatures from the bay, and learn what we can do to protect and conserve water for animals and people. Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/yHTBz8vFBYgXFjCQ8
Family Night – Family Movie & Craft
Thursday, August 1, 5:30 p.m.
Families are invited to watch a movie on our big screen! In this 2024 animated film, Po must train a replacement Dragon Warrior so that he can become the “Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.” A new shape-shifting villain that appears on the scene has other plans, though! This Rated PG movie is shown in compliance with a movie license through Movie Licensing, USA. Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/ZLr9br8ULSVuEqUz7
PROGRAMS FOR TEENS
Teen Dungeons and Dragons Program
Tuesday, June 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Teens ages 13-18 are invited to join our Dungeon Master as he leads us through a monthly D & D adventure. Tabletop/role playing experience is not required and new players are welcome. Pre-made characters will be available for those that need them. Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/JNADUpPicpsdjzoa6
Teen Hangout
Mondays, July 1, 8, 15 & 29
4-6 p.m.
Teens ages 13-18 can drop-in to the Teen Section to play some board games, video games on our Nintendo Switch, or just hang out. No registration is required.
Teen Game Night!
Tuesday, July 2, 6-7:30 p.m.
Teens ages 13-18 are invited to a game night in our Teen Section! Choose from video games on our Nintendo Switch, our selection of board games, or bring your own. Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/En24ZaKUyPA6bX8P8
Cooking Matters for Teens
Tuesday, July 9, 6-7:30 p.m.
Teens ages 13-18 are invited to the final class in a monthly series presented by the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. Teens will learn how to make their own tasty meals and snacks at home and how to make smart choices about food at school, out-to-eat or at the store. Cooking Matters for Teens is one of five courses offered by Share Our Strength’s Cooking Matters®, a nutrition education program created to connect chefs and nutritionists with families who can benefit from their expertise. Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/wcgBV7AP1d12jg336
Mystic Realms LARPing Adventure!
Tuesday, July 16, 6-7:30 p.m.
Adventure is calling – will you answer? Teens ages 13-18 can explore the exciting hobby of live-action roleplaying with Mystic Realms, a local theater troupe that has been running LARP events for over three decades. Characters and costumes will be provided and all rules will be taught. The theatric-touch combat system uses contact-safe weapons and is fun and fair for everyone. No previous experience is necessary. Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/P77AvQG3tt3EghdF8
Culinary Adventures and Advantages with Wildflower Vegan Cafe!
Tuesday, July 23, 6-7:30 p.m.
Teens ages 13-18 are invited to join Eric Nyman, owner of Wildflower Vegan Cafe in Millville, as he shares the importance of incorporating fresh, local, seasonal and diverse plants into one’s diet.
There will be a question and answer session and some delicious samples to try! Wildflower Vegan Cafe has recently been named one of the "Top 9 Vegan Restaurants in New Jersey" by Local Living NJ and is committed to organic, locally sourced food. Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/XugKabBcSh71AviZA
Careers in Writing and Publishing
Tuesday, July 30, 6-7:30 p.m.
Teens and adults interested in becoming published writers are invited to a free seminar presented by One True Promotion! Published authors Alec Pangia, Andrew Bast, and Brielle Elise will offer their expertise regarding three types of publishing: traditional, hybrid, and independent. They’ll touch on the pros and cons of each, how to get started, deals to pursue (and to avoid), technology, and more. A question and answer period will round out the program. Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/XFPpNUpViBouErDWA
Pageturners Lounge…Goes Camping!
Tuesday, August 6, 6-7:30 p.m.
Teens ages 13-18 are invited to make some time for reading and visit our Pageturners Lounge…with a twist! Teens can still bring a favorite book or borrow one from the library, then spend some time reading and enjoying snacks. However, in honor of this year’s summer reading theme, “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” we’ll be building blanket forts and tents to read in! We’ll also have a short, voluntary break where we can talk about what we’re reading…and “toast” some marshmallows. Registration is required. Registration link: https://forms.gle/tc6WztDGQ7Kfbh7X8
“Pick Your Path to Adventure” Teen Lock-In
Friday, August 16, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Teens in grades 7-12
An after-hours, adventure themed event awaits teens at the Cumberland County Library!
“You enter the darkened library. The library is closed, but you hear laughing voices and catch the
delicious aroma of pizza wafting up from the lower level. You breathe a sigh of relief. You had
heard that there was a fun, after-hours teen event planned for tonight.
You are about to start downstairs when you notice a strange, green light shining from the darkened
book stacks.
A mysterious voice whispers, “Adventure Begins at the Library….”
Do you head downstairs to your friends and pizza? Or do you head toward adventure?”
Attendees will participate in challenges and games throughout the library – choosing their paths
along the way! Pizza and dessert will be provided.
Registration is required for this program, as is a permission slip signed by the teen’s parent or guardian. Permission slips are available in the Youth Services Department or online when registering.
Anyone not registered for the event will not be able to attend. The library will be closed to the public during this event. Registration link: https://forms.gle/rco5XSEMdNU5VN6z5
For more information, please call the Youth Services Department at 856 453-2210 x26105 or email terrica@cclnj.org