The Abbot Public Library hosted its first Summer Reading Kickoff on Saturday, June 10, featuring live music, ice cream, community partners and a book sale.
“The Summer Reading Kickoff is all about sharing the love of reading with kids,” Library Dir. Kimberly Grad told the Marblehead Current at the event. “We know that when kids read over the summer, they come back strong in the next school year.”
Musicians Shon Gordon with “Rockabye Beats” and Dan Blakeslee played for the crowd. Terry’s Ice Cream truck and Shubie’s Marketplace served treats, and several community groups ran activities, including Sustainable Marblehead, Council on Aging, Marblehead Water and Sewer Commission and Marblehead Schools Parent Councils.
Abbot Public Library is temporarily located at the old Eveleth School, 3 Brook Road, while its Pleasant Street building undergoes a $10 million renovation. Grad emphasized that the community can still count on the library for all its enriching services.
“We’re in about 11,000 square feet compared to our 33,000 square feet, but we’re offering all the services, programs for kids, teens and adults,” Grad said. “We’re offering this great event today to welcome the community to our location and enjoy reading with us.”
The library’s Summer Reading program runs until August 18. For more information, visit abbotlibrary.org/.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist who has written hundreds of stories for local newspapers, including the Marblehead Reporter.
