Have you melted yet?

 

It's hard enough keeping the kids entertained in the summer without a certified heat wave gumming up the works. These days the usual whines of "I'm bored" are peppered with frequent complaints of "I'm hot."

 

What's a parent to do?

 

Get thee to an air-conditioned space -- and I have a tried-and-true suggestion for you: the library. Any library will do; they tend to be air-conditioned. My family took refuge in the Milne Library earlier this week, partaking in cool air and free wireless. Even if there is not a specific children's program running, you can pull out an activity set (or, in the case of the Milne, Legos!) or deliver your own impromptu story hour.

But there are some special programs at local libraries this weekend. On Friday, July 19, bring the kids down to Great Barrington's beautiful library (where my daughter made a fabulously creative fairy house, complete with a water slide, a couple weeks ago) for the chance to make a clay flower or plant fossil magnet. This activity is most appropriate for kids 8 and up and registration is required at gblibraries.org.

 

Staying in South County, on Saturday, July 20, head to Housatonic for a summer reading program event with magician Debbie O'Carroll, who will use amazing stage magic, lively physical comedy and lots of audience participation to introduce books about some of the legendary and mythical creatures and monsters that are found underground. This program at the Ramsdell Library starts at 10:30 a.m. Also on Saturday, stop by the Stockbridge Library for an ice cream social beginning at noon. Ice cream courtesy of Friendly's and The Scoop will be served while supplies last; I doubt this event will be held actually inside the air-conditioned splendor of the library, but at least you know it's available nearby after your sweet treat if needed.

 

Alas, libraries tend to be closed on Sundays, so it's a good day to take the kids outside for some water fun -- especially since the heat is supposed to break a bit this weekend and make for more seasonably comfortable outdoor weather. My family is thrilled that Margaret Lindley Park has re-opened for swimming in Williamstown. This local watering hole, found at the intersection of Routes 2 and 7 of south Williamstown, is perfect for younger kids and is free for everyone, though there are no lifeguards. In South County, Lake Mansfield is a great spot for families, and lifeguards are on duty from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through August.

 

As for water fun in Central County, I will leave you with a little tale of "you can never go back."

 

When I was a kid growing up in Pittsfield, Pontoosac Lake was my family's watering hole of choice. Last week, I took my own daughter there for the first time in years and was dismayed to find the sandy beach gone and access to the water limited. So we climbed back up the hill and drove over to Onota Lake; I rarely went there as a kid but I remember the small mushy beach over where the boat ramp now is. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised to find a lovely beach with a roped-in swimming area, lifeguards and restrooms. My daughter had a blast in the water and my husband and I had some much-needed down-time reading a book in the shade. And best of all, I discovered one of the Berkshires' best-kept secrets: the culinary genius of the snack bar matron, who makes a mean hot dog. (Seriously: You should see her split the dog, butter it, press it, grill the bun... it was hands-down one of the most delicious hot dogs I ever have had.) She also told me she makes awesome corned beef hash and other breakfast foods, in addition to the regular swimming-hours-type food like dogs and ice cream. Amazing... so maybe change is good.

 

Stay cool!