By DENISE HERSCHEL
Pirates abound this summer in the borough of Bradley Beach when these “soldiers of fortune” are celebrated with a multitude of fun-filled family festivities. Included in the plans are a Summer of Pirates Library Launch Party, a gala Pirate Party and Treasure Hunt and a Summer of Pirates Goodbye Party, all in conjunction with the Bradley Beach Library.
The launch party kicks off June 11.
Rita Post, Bradley Beach Library Program Coordinator, said participants will read books and earn points – enough so that they can raid the treasure chest.
“This year’s program runs from June 11 until August 6 and we welcome all ages. Last year we had 55 participants who read a total of 465 books,” she said.
Post added that the library’s summer reading program is not restricted to only Bradley Beach residents.
“We do get many Bradley Beach residents, but we also get some seasonal visitors, too. We welcome summer folks as well. Even if they are only here for a week or two, they can grab a passport and jump right in. Our goal is to make this a fun endeavor for everyone, no matter where they are from, not just another assignment,” Post said.
According to Post, there are no separate categories for pre-readers and readers; the passport is the same for everyone.
“A book read to a pre-reader counts the same as a book an older particpant reads on their own. The passport is designed to be simple: our goal is to reduce the stress that sometimes comes wih summer reading and encourage whatever reading they do. We want it to be fun. Kids get points for reading and related activities. They don’t need to think about pre-literacy or extended learning even if it is a happy by-product,” she said. “The passport is also designed in a way that allows kids to join in at anytime. They can pick up their passport and jump in at any point over the summer. Participants can register at the library. Pirate hijinks and tomfoolery will be strongly encouraged!”
Post continued that the library has been doing their own summer reading program for several years now and that “readers, especially reluctant ones, have been making great progress over the summer months.
“According to the School Library Journal, students who take part in their local library’s summer reading program significantly improve their reading skills,” she said.
In addition to summer reading, the Pirate theme will continue when the whole town will get into the pirate spirit on Sat., July 16 when Bradley Beach celebrates “Pirate Day.” The festivities will begin at the library at 11am when Post said “wee lads and wee lasses embark on a scavenger hunt through the town to find Pirate Captain Will Kids’s treasure.”
“They will pillage and loot their way back to the library for the party with games and snacks and maybe even a special appearance by Captain Kid himself,” she added.
Participating bars and restaurants in Bradley Beach will be offering rum drinks and specials for customers dressed in their pirate finery. To end the Pirates Day all-day celebration, a performance from the Tropical Beat Steel Band will take place at Riley Park at 7pm.
To close out the summer, the Bradley Beach Library’s end-of-the-summer reading party will take place at the library on Saturday, August 6 at 11 am.
To learn more about what the library is offering this summer contact Rita Post at 732-776-2995 for more information.
