PITTSTON — The Pittston Memorial Library celebrated “Read Across America” with diverse activities throughout the week that found youngsters reading, listening and learning as adults picked up a favorite book and began reading.
The initiative, begun in 1997, was created by the National Education Association and is held annually on or near the birthday of Dr. Seuss, providing an opportunity not only for reading, but for color, creativity and fun.
On Tuesday morning, Children’s Librarian Kristen Boettger gathered more than a dozen children and their parents around as she read several Seuss books, engaging the children with the tone and inflection of her voice.
To Lita Vincavage and her children, attendance at the library has become a tradition, providing a chance to not only choose a book, but to make friends and learn about the world, especially as a pre-schooler.
Vincavage, with her 2-year-old son Kyle in tow, said she especially appreciates the craft which follows each book reading, giving children a “visual” reminder of what has been read and a chance to be creative.
“It’s so important that children read instead of just spending time watching television or with other electronic devices,” she said. “Everything is so fast. This gets children to slow down and focus.”
Gabby Moore, of Pittston, enjoys coming to the library several times a week with her children Luna, 2, and Luca, 5 months.
Moore said she enjoys the family atmosphere of the library and the celebratory atmosphere of week.
Boettgger enjoys the opportunity to present Dr. Seuss books, which contain tongue-twister, made-up words and rhymes, to young library-goers.
“The children are really engaged by Dr. Seuss,” she said. “They’re a little longer than our normal books, so we have to work around that a bit for the younger kids.”
The week was filled with Dr. Seuss-related crafts and a chance for children to take a photo with the Cat-in-the-Hat.
Library Director Patricia Joyce said the annual celebration brings an increasing number of area residents to the library, providing opportunity for them to learn more about the library’s programming and activities.
