Library Launches Sensory Storytime For Children With Sensory Needs
ACTON — Acton Public Library rolled out a new inclusive storytime program this week while town committees prepare to reconvene Monday, with library summer activities dominating an otherwise quiet 24-48 hour stretch in town.
TOWN HALL
Town offices continue operating on regular summer schedules following last week's Independence Day weekend service adjustments. Municipal committees are set to reconvene next week, with the Select Board, Finance Subcommittee, and Library Policy Review Committee all listed on the town calendar for Monday, July 20.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
Acton Public Library launched Sensory Storytime, a new small-group program designed for children who benefit from a modified storytime experience, including those on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing difficulties. The inaugural session took place Monday, July 20, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., featuring softer lighting, reduced noise, and additional visual aids, with playtime to follow.
The library's packed summer schedule also includes Tech Time with a librarian on July 20, Meet-up Mondays for games on July 20, and two Craft Night sessions making Cricut-designed trucker hats on July 21. The Lunch Bunch summer food program continues serving free lunches to children and teens ages 2-18 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through July 29. Younger patrons can catch Sing & Stomp, a song-and-dance program, and Grab & Go craft kits available this Friday, July 17, while a Pokémon Club meets Saturday, July 18, for trainers ages 6-11.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Breathing Wildfire Smoke In MA Equal To Smoking 9 Cigarettes: Doctor" — hazy skies from wildfires burning in Ontario and the northern Midwest cleared across New England Friday after days of smoke exposure, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/acton).
"🌱 Patch AM: What Acton's new police chief says his top priorities will be" — Patch's morning roundup highlighted comments from the town's newly appointed police leadership on department priorities, a personnel change also noted in the town's own News Flash announcements, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/acton).
"🌱 Patch AM: How Acton's school buses could soon help power the electric grid" — Patch flagged a developing story on potential vehicle-to-grid technology involving the district's electric bus fleet, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/acton).
COMING UP
The Library Policy Review Committee, Select Board, and Finance Subcommittee all meet Monday, July 20. The Council on Aging holds a revised meeting Tuesday, July 21. Styrofoam recycling collection is available Saturday, July 18. Craft Night trucker hat sessions run twice on July 21, at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. The library's Mystery Book Club discusses "Eight Perfect Murders" by Peter Swanson on Wednesday, July 22, at 1 p.m., and an all-ages Hamilton karaoke event celebrating America's 250th anniversary is set for the same evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m.