Camden Library Children’s Book Week will begin on May 2

By Samuel A. Smith On Apr 25, 2022

Camden Public Library plans to celebrate Children’s Book Week Monday through Sunday, May 2-8.

Each weekday, children’s librarian Amy Hand will play a different children’s book character; young readers are encouraged to tune in online or stop in for a visit to see which character it will be, according to a press release from the library.

The week will include three storytimes, two of which will be outdoors: Outdoor Storytime for Babies at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4 and Preschool Storytime at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 5. Indoor preschool story time will be at 10 a.m. Friday, May 6.

Camden Public Library Children’s Librarian Amy Hand dressed up as different storybook characters during Children’s Book Week 2021. Photo submitted

Hand will also feature crafts each weekday on YouTube and Instagram, and the week will include STEAM activities from Tinker Tuesdays and Booktalks for tweens and teens. The Maine Student Book Award Book Club will meet in person at 5 p.m. on Monday, May 2.

“Reading is such a practical way for young readers and their families to interact with the world and imagine their dreams,” said Tony McKim, president and CEO of First National Bank. “First National Bank is honored to support Children’s Book Week at Camden Public Library and encourage the value of reading.”

Additionally, throughout May, the library will host an art exhibit in the Picker Room by children’s book author and illustrator Jim Arnoksy. The work will feature scenes of the wildlife, habitat and culture of places he traveled to seek out his books.

The public is invited to meet Arnoksy at the Library Artists Reception from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 5. For more information, visit the Children’s Calendar at librarycamden.org.

During Children’s Book Week, the library invites those who believe in the power of reading to donate to children’s library programs. Donors are invited to give in honor of their favorite children, grandchildren or other young readers, whose names may be placed on bookplates in the library.

Donations can be made at librarycamden.org/donate; in person at the library; or by post to the Camden Public Library Fund at 55 Main St., Camden, ME 04843.