Letter: How the Weston Library saved our rainy summer day

The rain was pouring as I stepped out of the car, drenching me every second I waited for my mom and brother to follow. The bright lights of the library seemed so close, but by the time we made it inside, we were soaked. A couple weeks ago, my brother and I attended the Escape the Terrible Thicket program at the Weston Library. We teamed up with other kids to escape the forest, turning a dull evening into an opportunity for fun. We worked in a makeshift space enclosed by tall, rectangular, forest-painted boards, and there were mini challenges with combination locks to open clues, such as putting pieces of wood together to form numbers and mixing potions based on riddles.

One of my favorites was the second-to-last challenge where we had four pieces of a gridded map with numbers on it and a separate piece of paper with directions: 3E, 5W, etc. Everyone crouched in a tight circle around the map, with two people diligently clutching the pieces together, and the rest of us counting numbers out loud. East. 1-2-3. West. 1-2-3-4-5. Eventually, after carefully turning five numbers into place, the combination lock opened with a satisfying click. Everyone cheered as hands reached to grab the final clue to complete the challenge.

In the end, I had an amazing time and got to meet many people. After attending that program, I was suddenly energetic and scrambling to secure spots in others. The Weston Library offers so many exciting summer events that build community and provide entertainment – it’s a great opportunity to enjoy yourself, collaborate, and make friends. If you’re bored next summer, try exploring the extensive list of activities they have to offer, because my family has had a great experience.

Jackie Powers, seventh grade, Conant Road