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July | 2026

Mid-July Newsletter

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Unearth a Story: Wednesday Programs

Unearth A Story: Summer Reading Programs

Wednesday Afternoons

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Ham Room

Special Newsletter


Join us this summer for the 2026 Summer Reading Program. Events will be held on Wednesday afternoons at 4:00 PM in the Ham Room from June 24th to July 29th. Please note that during the summer, our park project will be underway, making the park unavailable.


This year's theme, "Unearth a Story," focuses on dinosaurs, paleontology, and archaeology, fostering curiosity through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and the humanities to encourage discovery and storytelling.


Reminder: Please register for the July 22nd event, Comics Workshop with Marek Bennett. Please email Tessa at tnarducci@conwaypubliclibrary.org

American Museum of Natural History 

Ask a Real Paleontologist!

Wed. July 15th

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Registration Required


New Dinosaurs?

New Discoveries?


As part of CSLP’s Unearth a Story™ summer reading program, and part of our partnership with AMNH, public libraries and their patrons are invited to a FREE virtual event featuring paleontologist Dr. Aki Watabe. This event is geared towards families. 



Come find out about:

  • New dinosaur discoveries that are making headlines around the world
  • How paleontologists search for and study fossils
  • The cutting-edge technology helping scientists unlock ancient mysteries
  • What dinosaur fossils can tell us about evolution, behavior, and life millions of years ago


AMNH's expert paleontologist will answer questions during the live Q&A portion. Dr. Aki Watanabe shares some of the most fascinating dinosaur finds from the past year. He is an Associate Professor of Anatomy at the New York Institute of Technology and a Research Associate in the Division of Paleontology at the American Museum of Natural History.

Unearth a Story: The Fox Family

Wed. July 15th

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Ham Room

Special Newsletter



How do animals use a landscape, and does that change over time?

What interesting stories about wildlife have we seen with trail cameras?


At Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, you can explore different natural areas virtually. Since 2017, we’ve collected maps, photos, videos, and graphs showcasing the red-tailed fox family. We may also see white-tailed deer, coyotes, and black bears.


You will also get a chance to meet a live animal. Learn all about the animal with a Squam Lakes naturalist! This program is great for kids in elementary school and older.

Tuesday Tales Special Guest - July 21st

Once Upon a Story Hour

Tuesday, July 21st

Ham Room


Join our Tuesday Tales, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and enjoy a special guest from Once Upon a Story Hour, and learn about dinosaurs! There will be stories, sign language lessons, and fun craft projects. Appropriate for young children and their families.

Sign Up Soon - Few Spots Left

Unearth A Story: Comics Workshop w/ Marek Bennett

Wednesday Afternoons

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Ham Room

Special Newsletter


Unlock your creativity and joy with the guidance of comic-creating genius Marek Bennett! This engaging workshop is designed for kids ages 7 and up, and space is limited to just 20 participants. Secure your post as soon as you can.


Priority is given to those who RSVP to Tessa. Be sure to include “Registration for Unearth a Story: Comics Workshop” in the subject line of your email. If you need to cancel, kindly inform Tessa so another eager participant can join in on the fun.

Conway Historical Society Program

Rebels & Redcoats: NH and the American Revolution

2nd Tuesday, July 14th

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Periodical Room


Join the Conway Historical Society and New Hampshire Humanities for an evening with Mary Adams as we explore "Rebels & Redcoats: NH & the American Revolution."


Discover New Hampshire's vital role in the quest for independence, from Paul Revere’s first ride to Portsmouth in 1774 to our troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill and the state's early adoption of a constitution in 1776. Don’t miss this chance to uncover our rich history!

Celebrating America's 250th: Virtual Programs

Celebrating America's 250th: Everyday Life in 1776

Monday, July 13th

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Registration Required


Join us for a virtual series hosted by the Ashland Public Library to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence! We’re pleased to welcome acclaimed authors Loretta Chase and Susan Holloway Scott, the duo behind the "Two Nerdy History Girls" blog.


Their insights into life during this transformative era will spark engaging conversations. Discover their research processes, adventures in Colonial Williamsburg, and how they incorporate history into their historical romances.


Loretta Chase is a bestselling author recognized for her Regency novels, while Susan Holloway Scott has over fifty published works and more than four million copies in print. Don't miss this chance to engage with these remarkable writers!

The Black Experience of the Revolution

Monday, July 20th

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Registration Required


We’re excited to partner with Ashland Public Library for a virtual series celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence!


Join us for a discussion with Gracia Collins Rich, an Independent Scholar and Author, as she explores the vital contributions of Black Americans during the Revolutionary War. Gracia believes that discussing all aspects of history, even the uncomfortable ones, fosters a deeper understanding of the United States. We hope you can join this important conversation!


RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded, and a link will be sent to all registrants soon after the program. Thanks to the Ashland Public Library for hosting this webinar.

The Escape of David George

Monday, July 27th

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Registration Required


We're excited to partner with Ashland Public Library for a virtual series celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence!


Join author and historian Gregory E. O'Malley as he discusses his book, "The Escapes of David George: An Odyssey of Slavery, Freedom, and the American Revolution," highlighting the untold story of a Black man's quest for freedom during the American Revolution. Don't miss this fascinating conversation!


RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded, and a link will be sent to all registrants soon after the program. Thanks to the Ashland Public Library for hosting this webinar.

A Bog's Life: Bogs & Fens

A Bog's Life: Bogs & Fens in New England

Thursday, July 16th

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Ham Room


Bogs are fascinating natural features in New England, rich ecosystems of flora and fauna. Depending upon where you live and your family’s heritage, a bog may be called a fen, heath, mire, moor, muskeg, peatland, quagmire, pocosin, spong, swamp, or even a tourbiere. 


Use the book "A Bog’s Life" to better understand and appreciate the diversity of our wetland environments and to find New England’s outdoors more welcoming and intriguing. "A Bog’s Life" provides descriptions of hikes in 37 bogs and fens throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Bogs and fens are identified with locations, bog data, and local history, plants, hiking trails, and nearby places of interest.

A Saturday Fun Event, July 18th

LEGO Extravaganza w/ Cody Wells

Saturday, July 18th

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Ham Room


Get ready to unleash your creativity with LEGO games and exciting challenges at our Saturday event featuring LEGO extravaganza brickmaster Cody Wells! This FREE event, filled with fun, learning, and building with LEGO bricks, is open to everyone and is part of our celebration of the summer reading program.


Participants will have the opportunity to engage in various hands-on activities, building contests, and interactive LEGO sessions designed to inspire imagination and teamwork. While we will be giving away fun prizes throughout the event, please note that not every child will receive a prize. Every child will receive a free bag of LEGO bricks after the program, courtesy of the library.

Book Group to Join in On

2026 Book Group

Monday, July 20th

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Periodical Room



The book group meets on the third Monday of each month in the Periodical Room, except on holidays. For July, the selection is "How to Read a Book" by Monica Wood.


How to Read a Book by Monica Wood is a tender, hopeful novel about three lives: Violet, a young woman released from prison for a fatal accident; Harriet, a retired teacher running a prison book club; and Frank, Lorraine Daigle’s widower. Their stories intertwine in a narrative about forgiveness, second chances, and the healing power of books.

Virtual: Environmental Writing

Environmental Writing

Wednesday, July 29th

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Registration Required


Join authors Julie Carrick Dalton and Christen Civiletto for a discussion on their environmental writings and how readers can promote conservation.


Julie Carrick Dalton is an award-winning novelist and environmental advocate whose new novel, "The Forest Becomes Her", explores women's lives and their connection to the land.


Christen E. Civiletto is an environmental lawyer and author of "Thundering Waters: The Toxic Legacy of Niagara Falls", which exposes the exploitation surrounding this natural wonder.

Summer Morning Storytimes

Tuesday Tales

Tuesday Mornings

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Ham Room


Join Tessa and Drea for stories, singing, and creative activities every Tuesday. Suitable for young children and families. Caregiver involvement is encouraged to promote bonding and learning.

A Unique Storytime To Be Part Of

Once Upon a Story Hour

Thursday, July 30th

4:30 PM- 5:30 PM

Ham Room


Get ready for an exciting summer with Ms. Frizzle! We’re diving into the dynamic world of sports, where you’ll find captivating stories and the thrill of slam dunks, home runs, and touchdowns. After that, unleash your creativity by crafting your very own mini baseball cap!


Each visit will feature different storytellers sharing unique stories, accompanied by after-storytime activities on the last Thursday of each month. Everyone is welcome! An adult must accompany children under 10.

Yoga with Lo, Yoga for Charity

Thursday, July 23rd

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Ham Room


Join us for free community yoga sessions on July 23rd at 5:00 PM and August 13th at 4:30 PM in the Ham Room.


Donations are welcome but not required, with 50% benefiting the White Mountain Health Center, a nonprofit organization that provides health services regardless of insurance coverage.


Please bring your own mat; a few are available to borrow. To reserve one, contact Lorraine Kermond at ldkermond@gmail.com.

Library Spotlights & Resources

Summer Reading w/ News Bank!

NewsBank


Looking for ways to extend your library's Unearth a Story™ summer reading program? CSLP partner NewsBank has created a dedicated Unearth a Story™ Resource Center featuring tools for library staff, engaging activities for patrons, and a variety of games, articles, and educational content designed to spark curiosity and discovery. From exploring fascinating moments in history to uncovering stories hidden in newspaper archives, these resources help readers of all ages dig deeper into this year's theme while encouraging lifelong learning.

Ignite Your Imagination Through Books

Believe in Books Bags


Step inside to explore our fantastic selection of picture books! Don’t miss our special chapter books labeled #9 and #10.


Joining us is simple—just complete a quick form, no library card needed. Your next great read is just a visit away!


The Believe in Books Literacy Foundation runs the free Bookbag Program, providing families with bookbags filled with quality children's books for ages 3 through 6th grade. Come discover the perfect stories for your young readers!

Library Spotlight

Hiking the Whites with Wayne Merritt

Month of July

Ham Room


Experience the breathtaking beauty of New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest through a remarkable collection of photographic art on display.


Dive into the stunning hiking trails in the Whites, as captured by the talented Wayne Merritt. You’re welcome to visit the exhibition anytime during library hours.


In his retirement, Lee resident Wayne Merritt embarked on an adventurous quest throughout the wild landscapes of New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont. The photographs showcased here highlight the majestic peaks of New Hampshire, and Merritt’s body of work truly establishes him as a distinguished ambassador of the Whites.

Northern New Hampshire Library Cooperative Common Borrower Card


Your Conway Public Library card now grants you access to materials at the Ossipee, Jackson, Madison, and Cook Memorial (Tamworth) Libraries. Present your Conway library card to borrow items at any NNHLC library, or browse our shared catalog to request items be transferred to Conway for convenient pick-up.

Please note: Library cards are not required for admission to programs, use of public-access computers, or borrowing the Believe in Books Foundation Red Bags for children.

15 Greenwood Avenue

Conway, NH 03818

603.447.5552


www.conwaypubliclibrary.org

Hours

Mon-Thurs 9 am-8 pm

Fri 9 am-5 pm

Sat 9 am-1 pm


Henney History Hours

(Appointments Preferred)

Tue & Thurs 9-3 pm

Wed 4-8 pm


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