Summer activities for children at Panevėžys Elena Mezginaitė Public Library (Lithuania)

Summer is the holiday season when children need movement, excitement, and communication the most. However, not all families can afford trips or commercial camps. Therefore, free day camps organized in libraries become a real gift for both children and their parents: they are accessible, informative, and full of excitement.

Panevėžys Elena Mezginaitė Public Library has been continuing this tradition for more than twenty years, and every year this initiative attracts more interest.

In June, more than 150 children were again bustling in five branches of the library: Šiaurinė, Smėlynė, “Židinys”, “Žiburėlis”, and the children’s literature department “Žalioji pelėda”.

Every day brought new experiences, smiles, and friendships. Special attention was paid to the comprehensive development of children’s intellectual, emotional, and physical.

There was no shortage of fun moments: participants had the opportunity to watch dog agility performances and participate in a canine therapy session with a specially trained dog. The little ones were delighted by the animator, who invited them to immerse themselves in a summer adventure with games and activities, a fun and colorful foam show, impressive scientific experiments, ice cream tasting, active entertainment in the “Secret Bunker” and much more.

Various creative workshops attracted great interest. Campers got acquainted with the creativity center “Pragiedruliai”, where an educational session “Textile Meditation” was held. The Panevėžys Social Change Center invited to the education “Live more sustainably”, where sustainability topics and practical solutions in everyday life were discussed. In the activity “Let’s learn to communicate” organized by the community family houses, children developed social skills playfully and engagingly. There was a sweet caramel candy production. There was a lot of creativity in the pencil and bookmark, collage, photography, and decorating workshops.

We also had many interesting guests. Dog trainer Artūras Zaleckas shared his knowledge and experience in the education “The best defense is prevention”. During the session “Where fairy tales come from”, writer Vija Dilienė introduced us to the world of fairy tales. We met neuroeducator Rėda Grigaitiene, who invited us to discover ourselves through the knowledge of emotions. The campers also had the opportunity to chat with writer Neringa Tik. An interesting and patriotic meeting with representatives of the 5th team of the Alfonso Smetona Riflemen awaited us. Giedrė Kundrotienė, a specialist from the Panevėžys City Municipality Public Health Office, talked about emotions and helped us understand the world of feelings more easily through practical activities. Representatives of the Energy Distribution Operator (ESO) explained the types of energy, where electricity comes from, who needs it, and why we should save it. The children actively participated in fun relay races, tried on the protective clothing of ESO employees, and inspected work tools. The campers had the opportunity to try out disc golf. The children were introduced to the outdoor sports game by Arūnas Balčiūnas, the pioneer of disc golf in Panevėžys.

The most fun and welcome trips for children are educational trips: from visits to the Stasys Museum, the Panevėžys branch of the Šiauliai Regional State Archive, the Juozas Miltinis Legacy Study Center, the cinema, to trips to collectors and antique enthusiasts Vytautas Zigmantas, the “Puzzle and Discovery Celebration Space “Genijus”, the radio station “Pulsas”, the police station, snail and angora goat farms, or educational excursions to other cities (Vikings Village, Širvintos District, Pepės Village, Jonava District). These experiences not only broadened their horizons but also encouraged them to be interested in their native land.

The free camp, partially financed by the Panevėžys City Municipality, provided children with the opportunity to experience a full and meaningful vacation – to be part of the community, learn new things, and develop social, emotional, and creative skills. The library was not only an alternative to being in front of screens or bored at home – it is a safe, cozy, and engaging space.

Although the camp season is over, libraries remain open to the little ones all year round – inviting them to participate in educational and creative activities. Not only books, but also discoveries await here!