By Ann Neiderkorn, Librarian
Of course the library is always about great books, but during March, we really celebrated our love of reading. Read Across America was March 3rd. There is something magical about seeing a roomful of kids snuggle in with favorite books, reading buddies, and possibly a stuffed animal and just getting lost in their reading. Every class participated and it was a very fun day.
We were so fortunate to have back-to-back author visits in mid-March. On Friday, March 17, all JK/K-3rd grade classes met with author/illustrator Kathryn Otoshi in the library. Ms. Otoshi read from her books, played games, and involved students in discussions about friendship and bullying and how to be an upstander. To prepare for the visit, during library classes, students in grades JK/K-2 made a “beautiful hands” rainbow which is on display outside the library. Thanks to Friends of Graham & Parks, who helped fund this visit.
On Monday, March 20th, 4th and 5th graders walked to the Sherrill Library at Lesley University to meet author Tracey Baptiste. Ms. Baptiste’s newest book, “The Jumbies,” is a novel with a modern protagonist, but is based on traditional Trinidadian scary stories. She treated us to a reading and then to a very humorous interactive lesson, using student volunteers, to demonstrate how to protect yourself from various kinds of jumbies. At the end of the visit, she autographed books for everyone. It was a really exciting event, and we’re eagerly looking forward to publication of the sequel in September. Thanks to Lesley University for arranging the visit and for providing free books to every student.