This week our host Cynthia Whittaker Putman was joined by Chelsea Gifford, Children’s Librarian and Assistant Director of the Putnam County Library System for a discussion about books plus a new idea to host an Family Community Learning Workshop online.
Chelsea has been a CC-ELM Community Collaborative For Early Learning Media partner with WCTE’s Get Ready To Learn for the past five years. During that time Putman and Gifford have partnered to host Family Community Learning Workshops at the Putnam County Library. They have also collaborated on summer reading events and programs, and provide educational activities for students in LEAPS and Highlands Residential Services.
During Covid-19 Gifford just completed the PLC’s first online summer reading program, Summer of 2020’s Imagine Your Story, with over 250 kids participating. The PCL is in Phase 2 of reopening and curbside check out is available. Currently the children’s section of the library is closed but Gifford assures us that the children’s curbside check out is staying busy.
With many summer events not taking place as previously planned, Putman and Gifford decided to get creative and host a virtual Molly Of Denali Family Community Learning Workshop online.
The PBS KIDS series follows 10-year-old Molly Mabray, an Alaskan Native vlogger from the fictional village of Qyah, and her family, friends Tooey Ookami and Trini Mumford, her Malamute Suki, and other residents. Her family runs the Denali Trading Post. The series is the first children’s show to feature an Alaska Native as the protagonist.
Each of the four sessions of Molly of Denali Family Community Learning Workshops focuses on informational texts, understanding family culture and exploring our world.
Families can go to the Putnam County Library website and register for the workshop. WCTE is supplying all the necessary materials in a kit that registered families can pick up at the library during curbside check out.
Both Putman and Gifford are book lovers, so it’s no surprise their conversation turned to books. One book they both feel excited about is a new addition to the Putnam County Library’s children’s collection. Fred’s Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers is an inspiring picture book biography about the inimitable Fred Rogers, beloved creator and star of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
Putman and Gifford read some of their favorite parts, including about how Fred Rogers was a quiet boy with big feelings. The book shares how he sometimes felt scared or lonely; at other times, he was playful and joyous. But when Fred’s feelings felt too big, his Grandfather McFeely knew exactly what to say to make him feel better: I like you just the way you are.
Fred grew up and created Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the television program that would go on to warm the hearts and homes of millions of Americans. But one day, the government threatened to cut funding for public television, including Fred’s show. So, Fred stepped off the set and into a hearing on Capitol Hill to make his feelings known.
In a portrait full of warmth and feeling, Laura Renauld and award-winning illustrator Brigette Barrager tell the story of Mister Rogers: a quiet, compassionate hero whose essential message—that it is okay to have and to express feelings—still resonates today.
*This book is not associated with or authorized by Fred Rogers Productions.
Gifford also shared about one of her favorite books, Their Eyes Were Watching God, which her mother gave her in her Easter basket when she was 15. Gifford said she wanted to re-read the book this summer and she felt the same range of emotions that took her back to another time.
Considered one of the most important works of twentieth-century American literature, Zora Neale Hurston’s beloved 1937 classic, Their Eyes Were Watching God, is an enduring Southern love story sparkling with wit, beauty, and heartfelt wisdom. Told in the captivating voice of a woman who refuses to live in sorrow, bitterness, fear, or foolish romantic dreams, it is the story of fiercely independent Janie Crawford, and her evolving self-hood through three marriages and a life marked by poverty, trials, and purpose. A true literary wonder, Hurston’s masterwork remains as relevant and affecting today as when it was first published - perhaps the most widely read and highly regarded novel in the entire canon of African American literature.
If you love books too, don’t forget to explore the resources available from the Putnam County Library System! In addition to books, there are lots of other services that benefit our community. From mobile wi-fi checkouts and computers to meeting rooms, study rooms, programs, and media galore! Check out their website for more information.
Additional free resources to keep parents & caregivers connected:
- Bright By Text is a great tool for parents and caregivers of children birth to 5. To get free learning games and easy-to-understand tips texted to you, text "WCTE" to 274448. It's free and so easy!
- We also invite you to check out the Connection Zone where you can find all sorts of activities for kids of all ages. Plus, check out the Monthly Activity calendar for little learners on our At Home Learning website. This is an educational one stop shop for free resources for summer learning!
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