Many times, adults may ask themselves, “Why should children be the ones having all the fun?” Well this summer, the adults are the center of attention at the Goffstown and New Boston public libraries.

Both libraries already have adult programs in place for their patrons. Book discussion groups take place inside the libraries and online. Audiobooks are available on cassette, CD, iPod Shuffle, direct download and a new audio format called the Playaway. There are enrichment programs during the day and in the evening to accommodate a variety of schedules, and the Goffstown Library offers a monthly writer’s group called The Blank Page.

Patrons don’t look for adult-themed summer reading programs, yet they are very receptive to the idea once it’s offered.

“We knew there would probably be an audience,” said Sandy Whipple of Adult Services and Outreach in Goffstown.

Pat Fickett, assistant director of the Whipple Free Library in New Boston, said, “A lot of the moms are mentors for their child’s reading program,” so the initial audience was already built into the library.

The Whipple Library has nearly three dozen adult readers signed up for their program, even though summer is considered a slow time of the year.

The librarians in Goffstown wanted to do a Medieval theme program for a long while, and director Dianne Hathaway had no problem deciding on Readers of the Round Table for summer 2008.

“A Medieval theme is so rich with material and potential,” said Whipple. The summer began with a Medieval Faire, complete with period costumes and entertainment, and carried through many of the family programs in July.

Whipple Free Library in New Boston chose Basking in Books as its adult theme, reminding patrons that summer reading should be, “A time to bask in books, follow an author, an interest or just dabble in the delights of reading whatever you desire.”

Both libraries are holding raffles that encourage adult readers to enter their name in a weekly drawing each time they finish a book or attend an event. Prizes contributed by many local restaurants, gift shops, gas stations, spas, flower shops and bakeries, among other well-known establishments, are going out to several people each week.

Among the many scheduled events in Goffstown were a program on the American Ballad, featuring John Perrault, former poet laureate of Portsmouth, and an introduction to labyrinths with local artist Diane Ryan.

“We started talking about this last year and wondered, ‘Why not?’” said Whipple. “We began providing adult programs almost monthly in January, and we’ve been focused outward on the entire community,” not just children.

This year, 2008, is an important year for the Goffstown Library, as they have opted to participate in the Finlay Challenge.

The Finlay Foundation has challenged every public library in New Hampshire to increase their cardholders, and the library with the biggest percentage growth will win $25,000. The Readers of the Round Table summer reading program was already well in the planning stages when the challenge was announced, but the staff in Goffstown are using every opportunity to win that reward.