Take your Child to the Library Day

Libraries play such a vital role in the lives of people of all ages, especially children. This February 4th, libraries across the U.S. and Canada will host events and programs to celebrate the 12th annual Take Your Child to the Library Day (TYCLD). This meaningful occasion was established in 2011 at the Waterford, Connecticut Public Library by retired librarian Nadine Lipman along with librarian Caitlin Augusta and author/illustrator Nancy Elizabeth Wallace.

“This is such an important event for families and children alike. The library is an excellent source of knowledge, and taking children to the library helps to foster an early love of reading and learning,” said Jen Gileno, children’s librarian at North Salem’s Ruth Keeler Memorial Library.

To celebrate TYCLD, the Keeler Library is hosting two fun events. On February 4, families are invited to stop in to sign up for a free library card, participate in fun and informative activities, and meet children's librarian Jen Gileno, who will help with the activities and introduce everyone to all the available books, toys, and resources.

Throughout the day, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. there will be multiple storytimes and crafts for children ages K-5, including make-your-own-book bag and bookmark. The library will also provide participants with small trinkets to take home. “We also encourage middle aged readers to the library, so we’re gearing up for a more robust young adult experience here at RKML, and we invite children of all ages to attend,” said Gileno.

To continue the spotlight on TYCLD, teens will appreciate Create Your Own Graphic Novel with Finn Northshield. The 3-part program runs on Saturdays, February 11,18, and 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Northshield, a 14-year-old freshman at North Salem Middle/High School, was inspired to create the program after attending a summer art camp where he took a class on graphic novels.

“I love how diverse graphic novels are. There are so many different types and they’re fun and compelling to read,” said Northshield, noting some of his favorite authors include Kay O’Neill and Ariel Slamet Ries. “For the course I will be teaching a lot of cool techniques you can incorporate into drawing. We will also play lots of fun art games that can help with character design, background, storyline, and much more!”

Northshield said participants don’t have to be very skilled or have a lot of experience in art to draw comics and graphic novels. “There are plenty of different styles and ways to draw! For anyone that wants to make art or graphic novels my advice is to practice and just have fun with it,” he said. Northshield has not made his own graphic novel yet but hopes to create a book in the future.

Gileno said the graphic novel workshop will be an especially fun event because teens lead it for teens. “This is our first time offering this class, and we plan to expand this program for grades 2-5 this spring,” she said. “Graphic novel/Anime/Magna is a genre of middle grade to young adult that is becoming increasingly popular, and we are currently building our collection throughout the library.”

According to Gileno, the most popular children's series are Phoebe and her Unicorn Collection, Big Nate, Max Meow Cat Crusader, Bad Guys, Dogman, and Invest Gators. All are available at the library.

Note: The graphic novel workshop is capped at 10 participants so register early at: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejm3a…

Photos courtesy of Ruth Keeler Memorial Library