Summer, that teasing season of long, languid days and sultry nights. The world comes alive with crackling fireworks in the (Thursday) night sky, the cacophony of Palace Playland down at the beach, and the general hustle and bustle of our town filled with its annual influx of seasonal visitors.

Here at the library we are gearing up for a summer filled with fun.

Libby Memorial Library is gearing up for another busy summer in Old Orchard Beach. AP photo/Robert F. Bukaty

We have books. And we want you to read them. We’re very excited to be hosting Summer Reading programs for both kids and adults. The theme this year is All Together Now.

The adult summer reading season begins on June 1. We are bringing back our Reading Bingo – pick a square, read a book, get a charm, and be entered into a raffle for a prize at the end-of-the-summer Soiree (time and date TBD!). And don’t worry if you don’t know what to read. We’ll be putting together some “menus” of books based on Bingo topics. Look for the display soon on the wall near the circulation desk.

The kick-off party for the kid’s summer reading program is on June 24. Kids will be keeping a reading log and will earn beads for reading books. How fun is that?

But that’s not all. Libby Library is again partnering with the Maine Humanities Council, Maine State Library, and Maine Writers & Publisher Alliance for Read ME, a statewide summer reading program. This year’s picks are “Night of the Living Rez” by Morgan Talty and “Lungfish” by Meghan Gilliss.

Copies of both books will be available for pick-up at the library on June 1.

As always, there is more than just books at Libby Library. In partnership with UNE’s Snap Ed program, we will be presenting Vivacious Vittles: Recession Proof Your Pantry. Starting June 6, we will present a four-part series focusing on various ways to grow food in containers, and in July, UNE Snap Ed will present Ten Tips for Adults for stretching those food dollars.

There is no fee, but class size is limited and pre-registration is required. You don’t have to attend every class. Pick what fits your interests. The sign-up sheet is at the front circulation desk.

Speaking of food, Libby Library is host to the Summer Lunch Program again this year. All school-aged children are welcome to enjoy a free lunch here at the library, every week day from 11:30 a.m. to noon. After lunch, kids can hang out and enjoy a fun activity.

Our regular activities are still happening all summer long, as well. On Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m., the Brown Bag Book Bunch can be found discussing their favorite books and authors in our reading area; on Thursdays at 2 p.m., also in the reading area, the Creative Fiber Club will continue to meet; and the MahJong group will be playing each week on Fridays at 2 p.m. in the Community Room, although that is likely to change in the next few weeks. Call for new day/time. The Writer’s Group will continue meeting the third Tuesday of each month in the Community Room from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

As you know, having fun isn’t hard, when you’ve got a library card. If you are a resident (either full-time renter or a property owner) or an employee at a year-round business here in town, you are entitled to a free library card. If you’re a visitor here for the summer, non-resident cards are available for a nominal fee.

It’s going to be a busy, fun-filled summer here at Libby Library. We can’t wait to see you.

Wendy Brown is library assistant at Libby Memorial Library. She can be reached at circ3@ooblibrary.org.