On
April 10th, 2001 students presented a pirate theme
that featured the stories "Edward and the Pirates" and "Do Pirates
Take Baths?" Twenty-five children from Camden attended along
with seven parents. The children made pirate masks, telescopes
and parrots to wear on their shoulder. The children constructed
a pirate ship from large boxes and sailed for gold chocolate
coins hidden in the children's library. For three of the children
it was their first visit ever to the Camden City Library. Six
of the children in attendance did not have library cards. Each
signed up for one. All of the children were able to take home
six brand new, age appropriate books provided through the Campaign.
This program was advertised through our day care and elementary
school partners throughout the City of Camden.
Other
programs included themes from Spring (March 31st), Halloween
(October 27th), Oni Lasana Adventures in Poetry & Storytelling
(November 21st), Queen Nur presented "Sweet Potato Pie
and Such"- A flavorful seasoning of tales from the African
and African-American Oral Tradition (November 30th), Queen Nur
presents "Kwanzaa Time" on December 7th. This program
involves participating in a Kwanzaa celebration, with full explanation
of the principles and symbols of the African-American holiday.
Lessons are expounded through original call and response, songs,
stories, drumming, and dance.
If
you would like to learn more about the reading event or becoming
a volunteer reader, please contact Angela Connor-Morris, Program
Coordinator, at 856-225-6741 or ibconnor@camden.rutgers.edu.
