Bethlehem Library Notes for Thursday, September 13, 2018
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
Llama stopped by the Bethlehem Public Library for an impromptu story time as he kicked off his own Library Expedition on Tuesday, Sept. 4. The Library Expedition challenges patrons to visit as many of the 36 Upper Hudson libraries as they can over the next three months.
Rubber Ducky Club, the library’s award-winning early literacy program, is changing the way families participate, and we’re holding a party on The Green this Friday, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m. to celebrate the relaunch. There will be games, bubbles, dancing and more!
Families of babies, toddlers and preschoolers are invited to join the club and get started on 1,000 literacy activities before kindergarten. Whether your child is new to Rubber Ducky Club or has participated before, fall is a great time to start reaching for some early literacy goals.
The Rubber Ducky Club is designed to help you work on early literacy skills with your child in a fun and engaging way. Early literacy is the foundation for reading because it can be practiced even before children can read and write. With Rubber Ducky Club, you will practice talking, writing, reading, playing and singing with your child every day to help them get ready for school and a lifetime of reading.
You and your child will track these early literacy moments in a booklet you can pick up at the library. Color in a duck for every activity you share with your child, and don’t worry about repeating activities. If you sing a song five times, it counts as five activities. Choose activities from our booklet, our website or create your own. Everything counts – even library programs!
Each completed booklet earns your child a prize. When you complete four booklets, you will have accomplished 1,000 early literacy activities. If you get stuck or need help, the library is always there. Stop by or give us a call at 518-439-9314.
Book donation event
Got books? The library is once again partnering with Grassroot Givers, a local nonprofit, to collect books for donation to local organizations and individuals in need. Collection day is Saturday, Sept. 15, from 10 a.m.to 1 p.m. at the library garage.
Grassroot Givers will only accept books that are in good shape and are dropped off during the designated collection time. They are especially interested in like-new children’s books.
Great American Read
Join us as we take a closer look at PBS Great American Read book “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston on Sunday, Sept. 16, from 2 to 3 p.m. Dr. Eurie Dahn, an Associate Professor of English at the College of Saint Rose, will discuss how the use of dialect and the depictions of black love and an all-black town in Zora Neale Hurston’s classic novel are full of subversive pleasures.
To see a complete list of the 100 Great American Read titles and vote for your favorite, visit: pbs.org/the-great-american-read. PBS’ Great American Read is an eight-part series that explores and celebrates the power of reading, told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels, as chosen in a national survey.
More Great American Read events at the library are planned for the month of October. Visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or pick up a flyer at the Information Desk for details.