This year marks the 100th anniversary of Children’s Book Week. Established in 1919, Children’s Book Week is a national literacy initiative aimed at promoting children’s literacy. Organized by the non-profit charity Every Child a Reader, CBW is celebrated by schools and libraries in all 50 states. During the week, librarians and teachers share the joy of reading of with children through special programs and activities.
It’s unlikely that organizers in 1919 could possibly imagine the wonderful ways that children’s books would evolve. Children’s books, which were first often written to teach manners and morals, developed to include almost any imaginable subject. In addition to the myriad of subjects, as technologies advanced during the twentieth century, youngsters could experience books in different ways. They could follow along with the words in their books while listening to the story being read over a phonograph record and later cassettes and compact discs. Now children in the twenty-first century can interact with books on computers, tablets, and smart phones in various ways. In some instances, children can have stories read to them with the click of a button and even view animations of their favorite characters.
While children have the opportunity to work with apps and watch the hungry caterpillar munch its way through a multitude of goodies or click on a button to play peek-a-boo with the characters from the classic, Pat the Bunny, it’s comforting to know that children and their parents can still snuggle together to read these classics and new favorites in traditional book form.
During April 29- May 5, Lafourche patrons can embrace this year’s theme “Read now. Read Forever.” by participating in activities at one of our branches or by checking out and reading their favorite children’s stories in traditional or technologically advanced forms.
Bayou Blue
Kids’ Book Bingo: In celebration of Children’s Book Week, have fun visiting with friends and enjoying refreshments while playing bingo for books.
Wednesday, May 1, 4:00 PM
Choctaw
Book Character Bingo: Let’s celebrate Children’s Book Week with Book Character Bingo! Traditional bingo gets a twist when we replace numbers with book characters. (You will still win really fun prizes!) Ages 4-11
Wednesday, May 1, 4:00 PM
Gheens
Dress Like Your Favorite Book Character Contest: For Children’s Book Week, everyone is invited to dress like their favorite book character. Awards will be given for best costume.
Tuesday, April 26, All Day
Children’s Book to Movies Friday Matinee: In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Children’s Book Week, the Gheens Public library will be showing book to movie films. Refreshments will be served.
Friday, May 3, 4:00 PM Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns
Friday, May 10, 4:00 PM Tristar Pictures Jumanji
Friday, May 17, 4:00 PM Disney’s James and the Giant Peach
Friday, May 24, 4:00 PM Dreamworks A Series of Unfortunate Events
Friday, May 31, 4:00 PM Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time
Larose
Personalized Journal: In honor of Children’s Book Week, children and teens will decorate their own journal using a variety of supplies.
Tuesday, April 30, 4:30 PM
Lockport
Musical Chairs – Book Edition: We are celebrating Children’s Book Week with a book themed game of musical chairs. Come discover some awesome children’s books while playing this fun game. Ages 5-12
Tuesday, April 30, 5:00 PM
Book Character Guessing Game: We are celebrating Children’s Book Week with a guessing game! Guess at least fifteen children’s book characters to win a candy. Get all twenty-five to enter to win a bigger prize.
Wednesday, May 1 – Saturday, May 4, All Day
Raceland
*Kinetic Storytellers: The myths and legends of Louisiana retold using art and science! Thanks to a grant from the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, we will be presenting Kinetic Storytellers where participants ages 5-15 will create boards using modern methods like LEDs and paper circuits. Test your tall tale telling prowess this month! (Registration is required, so reserve your spot today) This month we will work as a group to retell the legend of Jean de l’Ours.
Tuesday, April 30, 4:00 PM
Playdate with a Book: There’s still time before the end of Children’s Book Week to celebrate. Pick out one of our specially selected books for quality time at home or in the library.
Thursday, May 2, 4:00 PM
South Lafourche
Books & Bites: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Children’s Book Week with the library. We will have a daily pairing of a beloved book and tasty snack.
Monday, April 29, 4:00 PM
Tuesday, April 30, 4:00 PM
Wednesday, May 1, 4:00 PM Thursday, May 2, 4:00 PM Friday, May 3, 4:00 PM
Thibodaux
Children’s Book Week Tic Tac Toe Game: Children will play a classic game of Tic Tac Toe on a giant, floor board with giant pieces. Prizes for the winners are donated children’s books for them to keep. Snacks will be provided. Ages 6-12
Monday, April 29, 4:40 PM
Children’s Book Week Bingo: Children (and parents) are invited to come play a special edition of bingo just for them! All prizes for winners will be children’s books.
Thursday, May 2, 4:00 PM
- Ann, Lockport Branch Associate