HAMLET – If you were one of the many loyal Hamlet readers that visited the Public Library this summer, checking out stacks of books and competing to win some awesome prizes, you were probably on hand Friday morning, August 10. Not only were awards presented to the top readers in three different age categories, there was a variety of games and activities available for children of all ages.
The Hamlet Police Department blocked off Main Street in front of the library to make it safe for the dozens of squealing children in bathing suits and shorts to enjoy the Super Soaker, set up by the Hamlet Fire Department. At the top of the hill near Rice Street, the Crime Stoppers (910-997-5454) vehicle was parked, for visibility to the public as a “rolling advertisement” and a deterrent to local crime. The North Carolina Forestry Service brought a bulldozer for display.
On the plush green lawn outside the library, a corn hole game was set up for use. Another popular game, which was invented by librarian Belinda Norton, had pool noodles set up on stilts, using bean bags to throw through the holes. If you remember the stacking game Jenga, with the wooden rectangular blocks, a larger version was set up on a table in the shade and was a big hit. Watson-King Funeral Home set up a large tent with chairs for the adults to get out of the summer heat and sun.
One of the most popular attractions was Joy the Clown, accompanied by her beautiful dove Cookie. Dressed in spring colors of pink, yellow, blue, and lavender, with pigtails and a yellow bow tie, Joy charmed the crowds of children who waited in line for a personal made-to-order balloon animal. She was a delight to watch, so very patient waiting for choices to be shared sometimes, but the children were always happy and smiling as they walked away. Joy’s motto is “Excitement with purpose”, and some parents were talking with her about coming back to Richmond County for birthday parties. Her website is www.magicalandunforgettablemoments.com. Joy the Clown’s phone number is (800) 851-4873.
If you were in the mood for video games, The Gaming FX Trailer, known as “the ultimate gaming experience” entertained those in attendance with 50-inch and 70-inch screens. Children and adults were dancing on the sidewalk to today’s popular music. The company is based out of South Carolina, but also serves North Carolina. Their website is www.fx1studio.com, and their phone number is (843) 845-1189.
The Hamlet Police Department also delighted the crowd with a demonstration of the two well-known K9 members of the force, Rudy and Edy. Their handlers, Emert and Stone, showed some of the dogs’ skills as the children—and adults—watched with keen interest and enthusiasm.
The winners announced in the different age categories are as follows:
Children First Place: Abi Hadinger (351 books)
Second Place (tie): Zoe and Garrett Peacock (300 books)
Children Chapter Books: Starlise Barnes (257 books)
Teen Readers: Hayden Hadinger (103 books)
Adult Readers: Sandra Lewis and Carmen Hadinger
From June 15, 2018 through August 3. 2018, children, teens, and adults in the Summer Reading Program checked out a total of 5,864 books. The arts and crafts activities and special events brought in close to 800 participants. On Friday, August 10, there were more than 200 children and adults that enjoyed the many festivities.
Good food was also available, as the Mayor of Hamlet, Bill Bayless, joined David Lindsey and other volunteers serving snow cones. As it got close to lunch time, hungry children and adults were treated to pizza, hot dogs, sodas, chips, cookies, bottled water, and other snacks served by the library staff and other volunteers and local patrons of the Hamlet Public Library.
If you did take the opportunity to participate in the Summer Reading Program –LIBRARIES ROCK!—at the Hamlet Public Library, you certainly gained knowledge from the experience. If by chance you didn’t participate this summer, you can certainly do so in the summer of 2019. The Hamlet Public Library is a great place to learn, to read, to use a computer, to have copies made—and to make new friends. The librarians are friendly and courteous, and will go out of their way to help you.
Located at 302 Main Street, the library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. The phone number is (910) 582-3477.
