Library to kick off Summer Reading Program and first Gazebo Concert of the season!
Gemini performing at a Gazebo Concert last summer. Photo credit: Marsha Chartrand.
by Sara Swanson
The Manchester District Library (MDL) will offer its annual Summer Reading Program this year from June 19 through August 1. Quintessa Gallinat, on behalf of Manchester District Library, stated, “The 2025 Summer Reading Program theme is Color Our World and will offer reading goals for all ages from infant to adult. Both weekly prizes and raffle grand prizes will be offered, including local business gift certificates, movie tickets, fair passes, Jibbitz, and much more!”
The program will begin with a Kickoff Party at Wurster Park on Thursday, June 19. Gallinat explained, “Beginning at 5pm, enjoy snacks and refreshments, join the bubble party, and — of course — get registered for the summer reading program! Stick around until 6:30pm and jam out to acoustic family tunes with Gemini!”
The Gemini concert is the first Free Gazebo Concert of the season! Even if you are not signing up for Summer Reading, everyone is invited to the concert. Bring a blanket or chairs. Rain location is Emanuel Church, 324 W Main St (kitty-corner to the park). Adults, don’t stay away for fear it is a children’s concert! Gemini’s rich variety of music will delight both young and old.
Gemini has been performing since 1973 and are now playing music for their third — or maybe their fourth — generation of young fans and families. Perennial favorites at the Gazebo Concerts, twin brothers San and Laz Slomovits have performed to enthusiastic Manchester audiences since the very earliest Gazebo Concerts more than 30 years ago.
While this first concert is at 6:30pm, the free Thursday night concerts will all began at 7pm after the first week. This summer’s concert line-up includes Nitpickers on June 26, (no concert on July 3 because of fireworks), Rust Belt Revival on July 10, John Lewis and the Rose City Troubadours on July 17, Reaction Shell on July 24, and Jean Wilson and Friends on July 31.
The Gazebo Concerts are sponsored by the MDL Friends of the Library, who took over organizing them three years ago after the disbanding of the Riverfolk Music and Arts Organization. While the concerts are free, Friends of the Library accepts donations during the concert to help pay for the Gazebo Concert Series.
On the topic of the Summer Reading Program, Gallinat concludes, “Can’t make the kickoff? Early registration opens on Monday, June 9, and registration will be available for the duration of the program online, by phone at 734-428-8045, or in person at the library front desk. Stop by the library or visit the event calendar for information about special SRP programs throughout the summer.”
Gemini playing a Manchester Free Gazebo Concert 10 years ago! Photo credit: Sara Swanson.
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