Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library Unveils Packed July Program Schedule

The Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, has announced a comprehensive lineup of free events throughout July, offering a diverse range of activities for children, teens, and adults. The schedule features a strong focus on dinosaurs and STEAM-related activities for younger audiences, alongside engaging programs for teens and adults covering arts, history, finance, and personal wellness.

For the youngest patrons, the “Little Dinos Garden Party” series will occur every Wednesday morning, featuring themes like digging for fossils, a T-Rex tea party, and building dinosaurs. These sessions are designed for preschoolers and toddlers and include story time before outdoor garden fun. Additionally, the library is hosting “Dino Hatchings,” a lapsit program for infants and toddlers with nursery rhymes and sensory play, every Tuesday morning. Children aged 5-12 can explore the world of dinosaurs and science through the “STEAM SUMMER” series, with activities such as a dinosaur dig, creating dinosaur cardboard engineers, and learning how dinosaurs are named. Special STEAM events include a partnership with Renfrew Park and Museum for an archaeology exploration, a 3D printing session to create a dinosaur mascot, a presentation on ancient skies by Tri-State Astronomers, and a “Volcano Slime” workshop. IMAX movie showings like “T-Rex” and “Blue Planet” are scheduled for Monday afternoons, providing free entertainment for all ages. A unique “Forgotten Friends Reptile Show” will allow attendees to interact with live reptiles and learn about their habitats.

Teenagers have a variety of options, including an Orion Zangara figure drawing workshop to build foundational art skills. “Laser Tag in the Library” offers an after-hours adventure with different game modes. “Powerpoint Night” provides a low-stakes environment for teens to share their interests or facts, enhancing public speaking skills. The “Textpectations Vs Reality” session will involve rating real texts and a dating game format, with prizes for participants. For a thrilling experience, teens can join a “DREAD: Tabletop Roleplaying Game,” a horror-themed game with a slasher scenario. “Bad Art Night 2 – Electric Bugaloo” offers a fun and creative outlet for teens to produce intentionally “bad” art. Many teen programs include complimentary snacks and drinks.

Adults can engage in intellectual discussions at the “Socrates Cafe,” held on the first and third Thursdays, focusing on philosophical questions and respectful idea exchange. For those interested in their ancestry, the “Getting Started in Genealogy” workshop will offer tips for tracing family trees. Gardeners and insect enthusiasts can attend “Good Bugs vs. Bad Bugs” for a discussion on identifying and understanding backyard insects. The “Hooks & Needles” group provides a casual setting for crafters to share projects and skills.

The library is also offering practical workshops such as “Job Help 101,” focusing on resume building, job search strategies, and online resources. Financial literacy is addressed with “1st Ed Credit Union: Financial Jeopardy!”, testing knowledge on budgeting, investing, and credit, with a chance to win prizes. Health and wellness are highlighted in the “25 Ways to Stay Healthy” session, offering practical tips for a healthier lifestyle, featuring a guest speaker from AmeriHealth Caritas.

History enthusiasts can explore local heritage with “Archaeology in Waynesboro,” where local archaeologists will share findings from the Stoner Farm dig. The “Revolutionary Homestead: Clothing & Lifestyles of a Frontier Farm” program will delve into 18th-century fashion and daily life, featuring a display of reproduction garments and goat ambassadors. The “Renfrew Tour” offers a guided exploration of the Royer Farmstead at Renfrew Museum & Park, though it requires a fee and prior registration. For those interested in the natural world, “A Walk with Modern Dinosaurs” will focus on observing birds in Renfrew Park, utilizing library binoculars.

The library is also facilitating a “Library Time Capsule” project, inviting all ages to contribute letters and memories to be sealed and opened in ten years. The “Monday Motion Morning Walks” program will take place at various local parks, encouraging physical activity and a gentle start to the week. For those seeking relaxation, a “Sound Bath Journey” offers guided meditation and immersive sound therapy. An informational program on “Stress Management & the Window of Tolerance” will provide practical strategies for managing daily stress. Creative minds can attend the “Open Mic Poetry Cafe” to share or listen to poetry in a supportive environment. The “Gamesboro Gaming Group” will meet on the first and third Saturdays for strategy board games, and the “Chess Club” will meet on August 8th, welcoming players of all levels.

A special “Wizarding World” event is planned for August 1st, with more details to be released on the library’s website and Facebook page. Registration details, including preferred methods and whether walk-ins are accepted, vary by program and are noted within the individual event descriptions.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library.

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