Nothing says summer in the US like baseball—and of course, summer reading. Deep River Public Library is wrapping up its summer reading program on Friday, July 28 with a special baseball-themed story time at 10:30 a.m., followed by an ice cream social. To round out the summer fun, the Hartford Yard Goats mascots Chompers and Chew Chew have been invited to join for pictures.

“I’ve done this before and yes, I dress up, and put the baseball diamond on the floor,” said librarian Elaine Alexander. “We’ve invited the mascots, they should be here around 11 a.m. to hang out. We’ll have the ice cream social, make sundaes. It’s a way of saying goodbye to summer reading, even though summer isn’t over yet.”

Alexander mentioned that in the past, the library has tried to extend the programming through August, but that there wasn’t as much of a response to it from the preschool and early childhood demographic that tends to attend the programing. August has instead become the time when the library gears up for fall programing, both in terms of story time for preschool and babies, and Lego, cooking, and other STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) programming as funds allow.

The dressing up, however, is a year-round phenomenon.

“When I first started dressing up for story time, the response I got was so good. It’s just a fun way to do it,” said Alexander. “Sometimes they know it is coming, sometimes it is a surprise. It gives something more to the kids, who are preschool aged. For them it feels very real.”

That feeling of fun is a way to spark engagement at a young age, and grows kids’ interest as they age in summer reading and reading in general—something of interest to all librarians as libraries try new things to meet public need. This summer was also a first attempt at a new summer reading logging method, which incorporated an interactive game.

“I wish we had more sign-ups for actually logging the books. People who are doing it are enjoying it.” said Alexander. “Other than that, we’ve had really good attendance for programs. I didn’t do a separate teen program this year, but maybe in the future.”

In the meantime, it is time to celebrate summer readers and America’s favorite pastime with ice cream, yard goats, and books. Attendees are welcome to dress up along with the librarian if they want to.

The Baseball Story Time and ice cream social will take place on Friday, July 28 at 10:30 a.m. at the Deep River Public Library. No registration is required for this event. For more information, call 860-526-6039 or email Elaine Alexander at drplchildrensdept@gmail.com.