Sharpsburg Community Library launches courtyard programs for all ages

Sharpsburg Community Library has come alive with programs since reopening to the public earlier this month.

Courtyard programs are hosted almost daily, with topics that target young readers to adults.

“Now that the weather is warming up, we’re excited to begin offering some outdoor, in-person programs again,” Manager Sara Mariacher said.

She encouraged families with young children to bring a blanket and sprawl out on the library’s patio at 1212 Main St. for science, experiments, art and story time.

Caterpillar Club is for children age 2 and younger, along with their caregivers. It is at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and features stories, songs and finger puppets.

STEAM Story Time, geared toward pre-kindergarteners, is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays.

This program introduces basic science concepts through songs, movement and activities.

Throughout the pandemic, the library offered virtual content and take-and-make kits that were largely geared toward school-aged children, so staff members wanted to focus on relaunching programs for the library’s youngest patrons.

“However, recognizing the importance of screen-free time, we’re also offering one weekly school-age program called Courtyard Creations,” Mariacher said.

For students in kindergarten through fifth grade, the program at 4:30 p.m. Thursdays will offer time to create an art or science project each week.

Programs are subject to cancellation if it rains.

Space is limited and participants are required to wear masks.

Mariacher said she frequently receives requests to offer programs for adults, especially those that focus on money matters, taxes, unemployment, rent rebates or other issues. The site has lined up a weekly outdoor session with staff from state Rep. Sara Innamorato’s office to assist.

By appointment only, meetings with Innamorato’s staff are from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays.

To register for any of the courtyard programs, visit coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org/sharpsburg.