TENLEYTOWN, WASHINGTON D.C. — To engage community members, young and old, with interests ranging from books to fitness, the Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library is increasing its list of summer programs to bring the local community together. The public library, located at 4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW, is encouraging residents to stay healthy, mentally and physically, with its diverse slew of new summer programs.
The library is increasing its list of summer programs to appeal to an array of ages and interests. Shelley Borysiewicz, a children’s librarian there, said these programs are meant to bring the local community together. “We’re a big part of the community, and the community is a big part of us,” she said.
The library has offered a variety of events since the doors officially opened in the 1950s, but is continually looking to expand their program offerings to encourage all residents to enjoy the public library and be part of the community.
The ongoing programs currently range from movie nights, where children can come dressed in pajamas, to ESL communication circles, where those fluent in and learning English Sign Language can come and work on their skills or communicate with others. The library has many youth-focused programs including its Toys & Tots program, where young children can play with toys and interact with other infants, along with sessions to help high school seniors with their finances.
All Washington, D.C., public libraries are sponsoring an event called the Summer Challenge, which encourages reading for all age groups. The program started on June 1, and will last until August 31. Everyone can participate, as long as they turn in a verification– online or in person– that they read for 20 minutes over 10 days in that month.
Anyone who turns in their minutes earns a prize. Prizes this summer include tickets to a Nationals game for July participants and a raffle entry for August participants. “We do this to prevent summer slide and encourage summer reading out of school,” Borysiewicz said.
Newer programs include a class called “Move to the Music!,” where anyone can interact with other community members. If dancing isn’t your thing, but you still want to learn something new, community members are always welcomed to pitch ideas for different events that the library could host.
Kat Holld, who works with the library’s children’s programs, said a local teen is currently hosting a weekly culture session, where a speaker discusses their background and culture. More proposals include a cooking class along with any activity that the public library is willing to host, according to Holld.
Holld said libraries are becoming more community-oriented as books have become more accessible online. “Libraries are turning into a community-oriented hub,” she said. “Sometimes it’s two people who show up. You never know.”
The community is actively involved with the library’s various programs, according to staff. Holld added, “Kids have grown up with this program. People are waiting for this.”
For more information about the Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library click here.