Staff Writer

Being “green” isn’t always easy, but the summer reading program at Louis T. Graves Memorial Library in Kennebunkport is teaching children how to be a little more environmentally friendly.

The program, “Green at Graves,” kicked off last weekend and offers environmentally-friendly and scientifically-themed activities through the beginning of August.

“The environmental and scientific bent will teach children how to take better care of Earth, our communities and our homes, as well as how to follow through with green recommendations to lessen our carbon footprint,” Youth Services Coordinator Lynda Bryan.

Fitting to this year’s theme, the library is hosting a “Bicycle Energy Day” with the help of Cape Able Bike Shop tomorrow. Unlike the bicycle safety days the library has hosted previous years, Bryan said “Bicycle Energy Day” will provide educational information on alternative forms of transportation and bicycle power.

“They are going to show and explain how a bicycle works and how it makes energy and propels it forward,” Bryan said. “They’re also going to show and compare ‘if you walked it takes this amount of time’ versus ‘biking takes this amount of time’ versus ‘by car takes this amount of time, but with the polluting elements too.’ If you bike or walk, you’re not polluting.”

In addition to the benefits of cycling, Bryan said Cape Able will have a bicycle on hand that powers a blender.

“Everyone who comes has the opportunity to get on and ride, ride, ride and make themselves a fresh strawberry smoothie,” she said. 

Bryan said the “green theme” was prompted by the creation of Kennebunkport Sustaining Connections corner in the adult section of the library. Library Director and Children’s Librarian Mary Lou Boucouvalas said the corner was part of a grant proposal to create a section in the library dedicated to green initiatives in the Kennebunks. 

“Unfortunately we didn’t get the grant, but we are still creating the space in the reading room,” Boucouvalas said. “It’s an area of information where you can come here and get it all in one place.”

Along with community resources, she said there will be a “green machine” computer available for patrons to check the library’s catalogue and to do research about energy efficiency and incentives. 

The corner will be a hub for local resources and ties into children’s programming, Boucouvalas said. With so much emphasis on environmental issues within the school curriculum, she said events scheduled throughout summer are a “neat way” to reinforce what students are learning in school. 

Other upcoming events include environmental awareness poster day, experiments with air and solar cooking, Bryan said. She said children of all ages are welcome, but in past years with an average of 100 participants, most have been younger than 12. Activities are scheduled through Aug. 8 and a full list can be picked up at the library. 

Graves Library is located at 18 Maine Street in Kennebunkport. Call 967-2778 for more information.

 Staff writer Emma Bouthillette can be reached at 282-4337 ext. 237.