5 things You Need to Know Today: June 20

"Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance.

Sweet victory. On Saturday, thousands of people descended on the streets of Boston to celebrate the Bruins victory Wednesday night that brought the Stanley Cup back to Boston after 40 years. Merrimack resident Melanie Hitchcock made the trip to Boston for the once-in-her-lifetime (so far) opportunity. She shared pictures with Merrimack Patch and this afternoon, we'll have them up for all to see. Congrats, Bruins! And thank you, Melanie!

Get your summer read on. Merrimack Public Library's Summer Reading Club registration starts today. Between now and Aug. 8, participants should log their time spent reading. The goal is to read at least 20 minutes a day, which helps young readers maintain their skill level. Readers (and listeners) of all ages are encouraged to participate. Adults can log time spent reading to their young children.
Those who complete the goal can bring their logs to the Children's Room and receive a Certificate of Achievement, a free book, prizes from community sponsors and an entry to the library's raffle.

Once again the Friends of the Library have agreed to make a donation to the Humane Society For Greater Nashua. The donation amount will depend on how many hours the children of Merrimack read! Register using an adult library card. Register online, by phone at 424-5021 or in person.

Read. Enjoy. Join. The Merrimack High School English Department in collaboration with Gateway is organizing book club discussions from this summer reading list, available online. Students are urged to select one or more titles on the 2011 MHS Library Summer Reading List to read while on vacation, and in the fall sign up to attend a book club discussion. 

Students who organize and lead a discussion will split $200. Books include classics like Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights" and Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," as well as more contemporary novels like Lauren Oliver's "Delirium" and Doug TenNapel's "Ghostopolis."

Seek an alternate route. Paving of Route 3 begins today. In conjunction with the construction of the Manchester Airport Access Road, paving will begin on Route 3 today near the Bedford town line. New Hampshire Department of Transportation officials warned last week of significant delays and suggested motorists who travel that stretch of road seek an alternate route, if possible.

Sunny days and Mondays are sure don't get me down. This weekend's sunny weather is expected to continue today. With highs in the 80s, it's looking like temps will reach the 70s by 10 a.m. If you're going to be outside, don't forget the sunscreen.