By Linda Shepard
C & G Staff Writer

ROCHESTER HILLS — Lots of free events, including a reading program, crafts, exercise and art, are planned for the entire family at the Village of Rochester Hills this summer.

A new program — Books, Buddies and Blankets — is a partnership with the Rochester Hills Public Library. The outdoor reading program is held 11-11:30 a.m. each Wednesday at the Village Festival Park.

Story time is free, and children are invited to bring a friend and a blanket and settle in at Festival Park. On rainy days, the program moves indoors.

“We are always happy to build on our programs,” said Mary Wilson, head of the library’s Youth Services. “Books, Buddies and Blankets is a wonderful extension of our reading program.”

 Children attending will receive a punch card, which they should bring each Wednesday to be eligible for a prize. For a complete list of guest readers — which includes Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett on July 16 — visit www.villageofrochesterhills.com.

Children 10 and younger are invited to free craft sessions from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Tuesday in Festival Park.

Crittenton Hospital has teamed up with the Village for Walk on Wednesdays. Crittenton staffers meet up with walkers every week for a 1-mile trip around the Village, beginning at the Festival Park gazebo at 9 a.m.

“We encourage people to bring kids, strollers and neighbors — rain or shine,” said Village Director of Marketing Michelle Shafir. “The Crittenton staffers will give a few healthy tips, too.”

Also ongoing are The Sounds of Music, heard 7-8 p.m. Friday nights at the gazebo, weather permitting. Summer Fine Art at the Village — the fine art and crafts of more than 100 juried artists from around the country — will be held Aug. 2 and 3. Admission is free, and the event includes a variety of entertainment, children’s crafts and an outdoor food court.

The grand opening of Whole Foods Market is planned for Aug. 6, Shafir said. “They’ll have a ribbon cutting and a celebration,” she said. 

The Village of Rochester Hills is located on the northeast corner of Walton and Adams roads. Village gift certificates are currently available at California Closets or online at www.villageofrochesterhills.com.