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Yakety Yak Book Club Wrap Up

The Yakety Yak 2nd-3rd Grade Book Club met on June 8th for the fist time since March, 2020. This was the very first in-person program that the Library hosted since the pandemic began and even a major thunderstorm didn’t keep the group from attending!

I welcomed the children back with a short video of kids playing a Japanese drum called a taiko, just like Jasmine played for the talent show in the book we read, Jasmine Toguchi, Drummer Girl by Debbi Michiko Florence.  The group discussed how Jasmine struggled to find her talent and what learning to play the taiko drum taught her.  We went around the room and each child named a talent they have.  In addition to being excellent readers, the Yakety Yak participants are multi-talented!!   

After the discussion, the children made hachi-maki, a Japanese headband worn as a symbol of perseverance when doing a task, just like Jasmine wore while playing the taiko.

Mark your calendars for the next Yakety Yak Book Club meeting in October. I look forward to seeing you then!

Amanda Winter, Youth Services Librarian

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Message From the Director: Summer Reading Kindness Challenge Kickoff!

Amy Director

Livingston Library Community,

Can you believe it’s already time for Summer Reading!? This year we are kicking off Summer Reading’s theme of Tails & Tales with fun reading challenges for all ages: Read to Me for Ages 4 and under, Tails & Tales for Grades K-5, the Summer Game for Grades 6-12, and Adult Summer Reading.

The children’s and teen Summer Reading Challenges run from June 28th through August 13th. The adult program is from June 21st through August 2nd. A Livingston library card is required for all four programs.

This year, a social emotional learning component is part of our children’s Summer Reading Challenge. Participants complete the four-level program by reading for each level and completing Self, Family/Friend, Community & World Kindness activities. Fun prizes and an entry into the Grand Prize Drawing are awarded for each level completed. Register today!

We are also excited to offer a series of programs in honor and remembrance of the late beloved Youth Librarian, Mrs. Chen. The Mrs. Chen’s Memorial Summer Series includes super fun Ron Albanese’s Kiddie Rock N Roll Show, a Livingston Youth Author’s Day featuring local authors Ariel Bernstein, Jennie Wexler, Mike Malbrough and Ariel Horn, and a storyteller, Carol Simon Levine who will present her live participatory show, Animal Antics.

Teens entering grades 6 and up can play the Teen Summer Game. Participants earn points by reading and solving puzzles. Points can be redeemed for super cool prizes!

Adults can begin registering for Summer Reading now! Beginning on Monday, adults will receive raffle tickets for every adult item checked out.  The more items you borrow, the more chances you have to win some fun prizes! Winners will be selected on a weekly basis, and two grand prize winners will receive Kindles. 

Best, 

Amy Babcock, Director