A Guide to the HW Library’s 2023 Summer Programs
Are you staying around Hamilton-Wenham this summer? Are you looking for free programs and activities aimed specifically at teenagers? You’re in luck! Take a look at some of the Hamilton Wenham Public Library’s 2023 Summer Programs for Teens! Registration for summer workshops begins June 3. All programs and workshops are free.
To register for any event or program, click here. Click on the event you are interested in to register.
To download the program brochure, click here.
Check out the library’s Informed Teens Blog for more updates and information throughout the year.
Events and Programs
All Summer
Jump Into Journaling
Saturday, June 24, 12pm to 3pm
Thursday, June 29, 4pm to 7pm
Thursday, July 6, 4pm to 7pm
Thursday, July 13, 4pm to 7pm
Thursday, July 20, 4pm to 7pm
Thursday, July 27, 4pm to 7pm
Thursday, Aug. 3, 4pm to 7pm
Thursday, Aug. 10, 4pm to 7pm
There will be some structured time around 30-40 minutes at the beginning of each meeting where Nora will offer guidance on keeping a journal, give writing prompts, and/or present strategies and tips for journaling–starting off with busting journaling myths and roadblocks! Other topics of interest that may be covered are: journaling’s evolution over time, variety across cultures, relationship to history and literature, journaling in the digital age, bullet journals, making your own journal, art/creative/alternative journaling (collage, poetry, letter art/calligraphy, doodles/illustrations), journaling’s role in creating community, making meaning, exploring interests/spirituality, fostering healing, deepening learning/clarity of mind, and preserving memories—lots of fun stuff! This will be followed by open discussion for people who want to share and connect with one another about their experience with journaling. Followed by a period of quiet writing time. The three hours is meant as a window of time where you can come and work on a journal; drop in and leave as it suits you. Teens and adults are invited to attend. Drop-ins are welcome!
Beanstack Summer Reading Challenge
We have created a customized online reading challenge for the Hamilton-Wenham community—all ages are invited! As you read and log books, and engage in activities, you will be eligible to win badges and weekly prizes. The program will begin June 24, and runs for 7 weeks with weekly raffle drawings for gift certificates to local businesses. You may enter the Beanstack challenge at any time during those 7 weeks.
Summer Reading
View summer reading lists here (the site will be updated as summer approaches).
Hamilton-Wenham 6th through 12th grade required summer reading books will be on the 2nd floor of the Library in the Young Adult area.
June
Graffiti Art Contest
Saturday, June 24, 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Try your hand at graffiti without getting in trouble! Join us on the lawn outside. We’ll supply the paint and a 30×40-inch canvas.
All artwork will be displayed on the walls of the Library’s teen area during the 7 weeks of our Find Your Voice summer reading program. During that time artwork will be voted on by visitors to the exhibit. Some prizes will be awarded. Registration required.
Henna Tattoos with Wicked Good Henna
Wednesday, June 28, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
It’s not summer without a Wicked Good Henna Tattoo. Mandy will be here for 2 hours doing henna tattoos. Come chill to some beats, color a mandala, meet friends, & leave with a wicked good henna tattoo. For teens entering grades 6 to 12 in Fall 2023. No registration is required. Sign up on arrival.
Youth Book Sale for Children & Teens
Wednesday, June 28, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Stock up for the summer at this one-day-only book sale, organized by the Friends of the Library.
July
Make a Duckie Soap
Thursday, July 13, 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Make your own soapy creation. Add your choice of rubber duckie. Then, take your handmade creation home. It can be removed from the mold the following day and used right away. For teens entering grades 6 to 12 in Fall 2023. Registration required.
Play Mini Golf
Wednesday, July 19, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Play 10 holes of mini-golf on hills, jumps, bumps, twists, and loops on the first floor of the library. For all ages. No registration is required.
Clay Yeti Luminaria with Pop Up Art School
Thursday, July 20, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Craft a cute yeti with air dry clay. Make the body from a pinch pot and hand-build the arms, horns and a toothy smile, then paint it. Glowing from within is a battery-operated candle that illuminates the face. Battery-operated candle included. For teens entering grades 6 to 12 in Fall 2023. Registration required.
Palmistry Painting with Pop Up Art School
Thursday, July 27, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Divine your fortune when you paint this mystical canvas painting project. Paint a hand with a legend of the lines, and an eye with wings. Follow along with Pop Up Art School to learn brush techniques and how to mix colors. For teens entering grades 6 to 12 in Fall 2023. Registration required.
August
Wire Tree Sculpture Workshop with Ryan Kelley
Thursday, August 3, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Make a wire tree sculpture with Ryan Kelley. Bring your own rock to the workshop (about the size of an adult sized closed fist) to use for the tree base . Open to teens entering grades 6 to 12 in Fall 2023, and to adults. Registration required.
Year-Round Opportunities
Electronic Resources
A (free) Hamilton-Wenham Library card is required for access to most resources. Click here to learn how to apply.
These are just a few resources, click here to find more. All resources must be accessed through this page.
Mango Languages
Conversation-based instruction in over 70 different languages! Use spoken lessons, recorded responses, quiz slides, color-mapping, and grammar and culture notes to build vocabulary, fine-tune pronunciation, identify patterns, and more.
Hoopla
Hoopla is a digital media service that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer or device of choice. You can borrow up to four items per month.
Universal Class
Universal Class offers over 500 online courses taught by dedicated instructors. Power through in a few days or take up to 6 months to finish.
Creativebug
Creativebug offers unlimited access to thousands of online art and craft classes. Classes never expire, so you can start and stop projects anytime, and work at your own pace.
Driving Tests
Take free Massachusetts RMV practice tests. Practice tests include hundreds of questions based on the RMV manuals and resemble those on the official learner’s permit exams.
Other Opportunities and Resources
Youth Engaged in Library Leadership (Y.E.L.L.)
Do you want to volunteer? Our teen volunteer program is called Y.E.L.L. (Youth Engaged in Library Leadership). Y.E.L.L. volunteers must be at least 14 years old and must be able to work independently after instruction. To find out more, and to apply, go to the Library’s teen page.
Your Next Great Read
Would you like some reading suggestions? Try the Library’s Your Next Great Read service. We will suggest up to four books based on your answers. Fill out the form found here.
For more information about any of the library’s programs, visit www.hwlibrary.org or call 978-468-5577.
