At the Library: Dinosaur Dig for Kids and More

Each week, there are a number of free community activities at the Merrimack Public Library for residents of all ages. From book groups and story times to special evening presentations and opportunities to brush up on reading skills. Plus, during the summer there are whole lot of extras that come as part of the summer reading program. Online registration for activities is available at MerrimackLibrary.org. You can also register in person or by phone at 424-5021. Adult library card needed to register for activities.
Here's a look at what's on tap for July 8-12:

Advanced Beginners Book Group 

Monday, July 8, 2013, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

This monthly book group is for ages 6-8 with an adult, and focuses on long picture books and short beginners' chapter books. Sign-up and pick up this month's title at the library, and join us at this monthly meeting to discuss the story, make a complimentary craft, and enjoy some snacks! This month's book is Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer by Megan McDonald. Extra copies are available in the Children's Room. 

Contact: Suzanne Wall, 603-424-5021, swall@merrimacklibrary.org 

Dinosaur Dig 

Tuesday July 9, 2013, 3-4 p.m.

Kids ages 5-12 are invited to enjoy an archaeological dinosaur dig at the library: dig up bones, enjoy stories about these prehistoric beasts, and make a take-home craft! Please register using an adult Merrimack library card. 

Contact: Liz Gotauco, 603-424-5021, liz@merrimacklibrary.org 

Rainbow Fairy Magic Garden 

Wednesday July 10, 2013, 1:30-2:15 p.m.

Celebrate the popular Rainbow Magic book series with activities and a Fairy Garden craft! For ages 6-9. 

Contact: Youth Services Dept., 603-424-5021, youthservices@merrimacklibrary.org 

Punk Rock Pizza Party and Concert

Wednesday July 10, 2013, 5:45-8:30 p.m.

Teens ages 12 and up are invited to meet Liz (the youth services librarian) at Abbie Griffin Park Bandstand to enjoy some pizza and discover the punk rock roots that inspired local rock band Haley and the Cranks - then at 6:30, we'll enjoy a concert by the Cranks! Registration is helpful for pizza-planning purposes.

Contact: Liz Gotauco, 603-424-5021, liz@merrimacklibrary.org 

Spy Camp 

Thursday July 11, 2013, 3-5 p.m.

Tweens and Teens ages 10-18 are invited to test their super sleuth skills, with a laser-field obstacle course, codes to decipher, and puzzles to solve. Could you outwit Alex Rider and Nancy Drew? 

Contact: Liz Gotauco, 603-424-5021, liz@merrimacklibrary.org 

Teen Writers Group

Thursday July 11, 2013, 3:30-5 p.m. 

Do you like to write? Do you like to listen to stories? Would you like to learn about story craft, share your poetry, or just have fun using your imagination? Then join our Teen Writers Group! Come ready to read or just stop in to relax and listen.

This meeting, which will be held in the Lowell Room, got bumped a week due to the July 4 holiday. The group also meets on the third Thursday of the month at a table in the Teen Area on the main level.

This group is open to Merrimack residents in grades 6-12. Registration is helpful for planning purposes but not required.  

Contact: Yvette Couser , (603) 424-5021, ycouser@merrimacklibrary.org 

Family Roots: Managing your Data 

This is the second in a series of three workshops hosted by local genealogy enthusiast Marc Nozell. Plan to attend one or more. (June 27, July 11, July 25)

All of your family background research creates a lot of information. Don't despair! Learn about a free multiplatform (Windows/Linux/Mac) genealogy management program called GRAMPS.

For adults and older teens. Registration is helpful for planning purposes. 

Contact: Reference Dept., 603-424-5021, merrimackpl@merrimacklibrary.org

Storytime in the Park 

Bring a brown bag lunch and enjoy some stories and games in Abbie Griffin Park at the Bandstand! For all ages. In the event of rain, we will hold storytime in the library. 

Contact: Youth Services Dept., 603-424-5021, youthservices@merrimacklibrary.org