Reading is revolutionary.
Benjamin Franklin agrees.
In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Huntingdon Valley Library is hosting its “Reading is Revolutionary” series throughout the summer. The celebration even featured a visit from Benjamin Franklin — brought to life by historical interpreter Mitchell Kramer — on June 4.
The program began in January, with monthly events leading up to the nation's 250th birthday.
“We decided to do a historical learning with our programs from January to the Fourth of July as a countdown,” said Beth Bilus, the head of teen and adult services at the library. “Each month, we highlighted a period of history or a historical figure.
“We were very fortunate to get Mitchell for our event. He’s been incredibly busy right now.”
Benjamin Franklin spoke to the audience about his life, particularly the years 1774-1776, his contribution to the writing of the Declaration of Independence and about his travels and family.
His speech made an impression on everyone, particularly members of Cub Scout Pack 2226 of Rockledge.
“It was fun,” said Cub Scout member Harry McCook, age nine, a fourth grader at St. Catherine’s in Philadelphia. “I learned new things. He really looked like Benjamin Franklin and he made everyone laugh.”
His twin sister, Quinn, agreed.
“I think it was good,” she said. “I like Benjamin Franklin. We learned new things. It was pretty cool.”
Brice Abernethy, another Cub Scout, is 10 and in fourth grade at Roslyn Elementary.
“I really liked his hat,” said Abernethy of Franklin. “That was the best part of his outfit.”
Cub Scout mom Jillian Gasper of Huntingdon Valley thought the program was worthwhile.
“I wanted to bring the scouts because I wanted to show them history and get them off their iPads and learn something new,” she said. “I thought this was very educational.”
Harry and Quinn are her children.
“Harry is very into history and I wanted to give him and the other kids something interesting and different. We come here a lot for the educational programs and they’re very good. I thought this was amazing and I’m really glad the kids were able to come out and see this.”
The library has a busy summer planned.
The Summer Learning program, Unearth a Story, began on June 20 and runs through Aug. 2 for four different age groups; emerging readers (babies through preschool); elementary (grades K-6); teens (grades 7-12) and adults (those older than high school).
Elementary events include Pyramid Builders on July 6 at 3 p.m., putting kids in grades 1-3 in teams to build pyramid models, and on Monday, July 20 at 4 p.m., Unearth a Pirate Story allows kids ages 7-12 to join Kiddie Authors Organization on a quest to make the ultimate pirate story. Registration is required for these events.
Colonial Playtime will be held on Thursday, July 9, at 2 p.m. for elementary age children. They will learn how to play games from Colonial times, such as jackstraws and tops. RSVP for this event is required.
Wednesday nights are for family events. On July 1, celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a birthday party. The party will have cake, games, crafts and refreshments.
“The birthday party is going to be a highlight of the summer for us,” Bilus said.
July 8 is Doug Wonder’s Interactive Magic Show, while July 17 is Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show. Critter Connections on July 22 gives a close-up look at animals, and Family Bingo Night closes the program on July 29. All events begin at 7 p.m.
Preschool storytime is held on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. now till July 27 for ages 3-6, and toddler storytime is Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for ages 1-2. Both require a caregiver to accompany the child.
For students entering grades 4 to 6, there is a 3D paper craft workshop on Monday, June 29, at 6:30 p.m., Crystal Candy Craze on Monday, July 13 at 6:30 p.m. where students will create sugar masterpieces and candy geodes, and on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m., students can learn the art of comedy at the Improv Workshop. No acting experience necessary. Registration is required for these programs.
Crafternoons will be held July 16 (earth) at 2 p.m. Outdoor Endeavors will be July 24 (rock art) at 10:30 a.m. These are for all ages, but children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Mad Science of New Jersey: Digging for Dinos will be on Friday, July 10 at 11 a.m. Learn the difference between plant-eating and meat-eating animals and participate in a mini dinosaur dig. Open for children ages 3-5 with an adult. Registration is required.
Play Patrol: Unearth the Beat is Thursday, July 23 at 2 p.m. This is a musical journey across Asia and the Pacific Islands for children aged 3 and up. Registration is required.
Adult programming is just as lively.
Caregivers Support Group meets on July 21 and Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. Chess Club meets Tuesdays, 2 to 4 p.m. and Thursdays, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tai chi is held Thursdays, 11:15 a.m. to noon. Sit & Knit is June 29, July 13 and July 27, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Morning Craft and Tea is July 18 and Aug. 12, 10:30 a.m.
Open Art Night is Thursday, Aug. 20. All are at 7 p.m. and require registration.
There is also a weekly Friday Movie Matinee at 11 a.m. and two book clubs: an evening book club on the second Monday of every month and a mystery book club on one Saturday a month.
“We have things going on almost every day until August,” Bilus said.
The Huntingdon Valley Library is located at 625 Red Lion Road in Huntingdon Valley. The library can be reached at hvlibrary.org or 215-947-5138.
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