PITTSTON — It’s going to be totally rad.
For those who weren’t around three decades ago, that means “really great.”
The Pittston Memorial Library is turning back time April 11-15 during its celebration of National Library Week that will feature 1980s-themed activities for patrons of all ages.
National Library Week, annually recognized during the second week of April, is a time to celebrate the contributions libraries and library workers make to their communities.
This year’s theme is transformation, according to Pittston Memorial Library Director Patricia Joyce.
“We decided to transform back to the ’80s, just to add a fun element, and everybody seems to love the ’80s — at least we do here,” she said.
Activities will be available for all ages, including adult coloring, sand art, an ’80s photo contest, a family movie night, and ’80s movie and book trivia.
“For coloring, the images are Madonna, Ronald Regan and roller skates,” said Joyce. “I also bought these rubix cubes boxes and we’ll have glow in the dark shades, gummy bracelets and candy. We’re going to bring adults back to their childhood.”
Joyce said those attending the adult coloring session are encouraged to dress in ’80s attire.
The 1989 film “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” will be shown during the family movie night. Children’s librarian Kristin Boettger said they wanted to be careful to what movie they picked.
“Movie ratings were a bit more relaxed in the ’80s,” she said. “What was PG then, is more PG-13 now, so it was kind of difficult to find a movie that was OK to show to kids and adults.”
While the week-long theme may be a flashback for many adults, Joyce said it was important to ensure that there were activities for children.
Teen Programming Coordinator Noelle Kozak said the overall mission is to get more patrons.
“We’re trying to get more and more people to come to the library,” said Kozak. “I think that sometimes, depending on what we decide to do, an age group might get forgotten. We want to make it all inclusive because we’re celebrating every category.”
The librarians are excited to flashback to the 1980s, and Joyce said that in the end it’s all about having fun.
“It’s to show the library is fun and we’re not all about books because we can really have a good time,” she said. “We’re celebrating National Library Week, so we’re encouraging people to come in and have a good time.”
