ROBBINSVILLE: ‘Fizz, Boom, Read’ at the library this summer

By Amy Batista, Special Writer
   The local library is exploding with fun activities this summer during the “Fizz, Boom, Read” program.
   ”We love it,” said Rachel Steinberg, of Robbinsville. “We come to lots of programs throughout the year especially the summer when there’s lots and lots of programs for children of all ages.”
   Ms. Steinberg noted they are going to be doing science experiments this summer, which she said is “really cool.”
   The Mercer County Library System launched its annual summer reading program on June 23. The program ends Aug. 8. Residents can discover new books, make new friends, stay cool and enjoy family-friendly programs by participating in “Fizz, Boom, Read” for kids and “Spark a Reaction” for teens, according to a press release.
   Registration is free for the children’s summer reading program and incentive prizes are awarded weekly as children 11 and under make return visits to the library with their reading logs.
   The online teen program, “Spark a Reaction,” is available between June 23 and Aug. 22 for ages 12 to 18 years. Teens may register via the library’s website, with a user name and password, returning to their account to record books as they read them. Teen events and prizes offered vary by branch location, according to the release.
   Fun, educational activities and contests are planned from June through early August.
   One of those programs, hosted this past Saturday, was What-Knott Farm Traveling Petting Zoo from 10 a.m. to noon at the Robbinsville Library located at 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road.
   ”The kids could come in and pet the animals,” said Youth Services Librarian Michelle Cromwell, adding that there were a variety of animals for children to interact with.
   The animals ranged from a Flemish giant rabbit, a miniature potbelly pig, a turkey, Japanese silky chickens, a blue-tongue slink, crested ducks, miniature goats, a miniature sheep, red-foot tortoise and more.
   Over 120 children and around 98 adults participated, according Ms. Cromwell.
   ”It was a really nice turnout,” she said.
   The What-Knott Farm started teaming up with the local libraries a few years ago.
   ”One of the libraries had contacted us several years ago for a price, I think West Windsor, and after we did one job for them, they shared the information with other libraries,” said Martha Knott.
   What-Knott Farm has been a breeding farm since 1982, specializing in breeding miniature animals.
   ”Buster,” a miniature donkey, was the Knotts first “pet” for their children. They later expanded into miniature horses and pygmy goats. As their herd expanded, so did their hearts for these special miniature animals. Their farm now owns miniature horses, miniature donkeys, miniature babydoll sheep, miniature potbelly pigs, miniature goats, miniature rabbits and miniature chickens.
   ”I enjoy seeing everyone, including adults, having fun with the animals and hopefully learning something new about them too,” Ms. Knott said.
   For more information on the farm or scheduling a visit from the petting zoo, visit http://whatknottfarm.com/.
   ”The Robbinsville Library is offering a variety of events this summer and people can log onto our website to see what they are,” Ms. Cromwell said, noting story time sessions for toddlers, pre-school and school-aged children, which start the last week of June.
   Toddler and pre-school children will enjoy stories, songs, and crafts under the supervision of Ms. Cromwell.
   School age children will enjoy science experiments and crafts conducted by Girl Scout Troop 70538 under the supervision of library staff.
   Some programs require pre-registration with a valid Mercer County Library System card. All programs are free. Monthly event listings and reading log registration details are available at branch locations. Events can also be found on the library’s website at www.mcl.org/branches/robbr.html.
   ”Our goal is to keep children, teens and adults engaged with libraries throughout the summer by offering incentives and opportunities related to reading,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes in a press release. “Our summer reading program improves access to library materials and literacy-related activities such as story hours, creative arts, performances and other special events, and encourages youth to become lifelong library users and readers.”
   Programming is paid for by the Friends of the Library or local library association or advisory committee at each branch location. Additional sponsorship is received by the New Jersey Statewide Summer Reading Program and local businesses that have donated prizes.