Library offers StoryWalk adventure

From July 27 through Aug. 3, the Scarborough Public Library will host a StoryWalk on the library grounds. The selected book is “The Secret Pool,” written by Kimberly Ridley and illustrated by Rebekah Raye, both from Maine.

Entitled the Susan McNamara Johnson Memorial StoryWalk, the event was made possible through donations given to the library in Johnson’s memory.

The StoryWalk is designed to “reflect her love of literature, her personal appreciation for the library and her passion for bringing books to life (for youngsters),” according to a press release.

“The Secret Pool” introduces young readers to the wonders right underfoot as the voice of a vernal pool shares its secrets through the seasons. The StoryWalk is free and open to the public. Call 883-4723 for more information.

Library explores the Renaissance

The Society for Creative Anachronism will be at the Scarborough Public Library hosting a program on the Renaissance on Wednesday, July 29, at 6 p.m.

The event will include a “jousting” tournament and a royal court, and the presenters will be in full costume. Participants will make their own drop spindles and more. This program is designed for teens, and pre-registration is required.

Call the library at 883-4723 or see www.scarboroughlibrary.org to sign up or for more information.

Upcoming at Audubon

The Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center is offering several special programs, as follows. Pre-registration is required. Call 883-5100 to sign up.

• Saturday, July 25, 8-10 a.m.: Join Maine Audubon naturalist Doug Hitchcox for a field trip along the Eastern Trail to seek the elusive and rare sharp-tailed sparrow. The cost is $10 for members and $13 for non-members.

• Wednesday-Friday, July 29-31, 8 p.m.: For three nights at the end of the month, the Audubon Center will offer canoe tours under the full moon. Attendees will experience the sights and sounds of marsh creatures at night. Watch for black-crowned night herons or snowy egrets. Participants may even see a harbor seal or a muskrat playing in the water. Arrive no later than 7:30 p.m. The cost is $12 for members and $14 for non-members.

Library workshop probes coding

The Scarborough Public Library is participating in a pilot program in partnership with Maine State of Learning, an initiative of several Maine schools and organizations to promote summertime enrichment courses for students, to offer a series of free workshops that will help participants improve their computer programming skills. All attendees will earn digital badges in acknowledgement of their success.

Programming for Beginners begins at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 27, and runs every Monday evening through Aug. 10. Library computers will be available or participants may bring their own laptops.

The workshop will cover the first module of the CodeHS curriculum and will be supplemented with other learning modules available through Lynda.com. The goal is to help participants to gain a basic understanding of core computer science concepts, such as variables, conditionals and looping.

A minimal comfort level with a computer keyboard and use of a mouse are required. This pilot program is limited to 10 participants. Register online at www.scarboroughlibrary.org.

Signs will be located around the grounds of the Scarborough Public Library during the upcoming StoryWalk to help engage children with nature while they read, “The Secret Pool.”Courtesy photoA Maine Audubon naturalist will lead a field trip on July 25 along the Eastern Trail to seek the elusive and rare sharp-tailed sparrow.Courtesy photo