Editor’s Note: This press release was provided by Friends of the Town of Pelham Public Library. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.
September 20; Pelham, New York: The Pelham Readings of 2022! The celebration takes place on Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2, and features book-themed crafts, snacks, and fun for kids of all ages. This year’s book selection is the winner of the Newbery Medal Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo
Established in 2013, Pelham Reads is a citywide biennial celebration of stories, told through literature, art and film. It features a unique book, wonderful for all ages, and kicks off with a weekend of free (yes, free!) activities for kids and adults alike. This year, there will be a celebration in the library on October 1st, followed by a free movie at the Picture House and a free activity at the Art Center on October 2nd. But that is not all! There will be a scavenger hunt at our local businesses from September 19 to October 1, and a Sip and Paint for adults (21+) on September 28. To top it off, an essay contest for grades 1-8 is now accepting submissions, and two winners will be honored at a ceremony at the event on October 1!
Here is the full schedule of events, all for free!
For events that require registration, please visit: https://www.pelhamlibrary.org/2022-pelham-reads-book-choice/
PELHAM LEE ADVANCE
Monday, September 19 – October 1
Squirrel Scavenger Hunt (all ages), at local Pelham businesses
Keep your eyes peeled while you run your errands – Ulysses the squirrel has been spotted in Pelham! When you see it, take a photo and share it on social media along with the location and the hashtags #spotthesquirrel and #pelhamreads for a chance to win one of these cute teddies.
Wednesday, September 28
Squirrel Sip & Paint (for ages 21 and up!), 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Library
Kick back with a paintbrush and a glass of wine, make new friends while you paint a piece of art at this adults-only event! Tickets are limited. To reserve your spot, please visit https://www.pelhamlibrary.org/2022-pelham-reads-book-choice/. Only guests who receive a confirmation email are guaranteed a spot.
PELHAM LEE DAY 1
Saturday, October 1
All events are @ The Library
Face painting and cape making workshop, from 9 to 11 am in the library
Paint your face like a squirrel and make a superhero cape! For older than 3 years.
Comic Demonstration + Sketching Lesson, 9:30 am to 10:30 am in the Library
A professional comic artist from the Pelham Arts Center demonstrates how to sketch your stories! Comic fans like Flora will love this one! (Psst, Pelham Art Center is offering an awesome 8-week comic book creation class this fall! Sign up here!) For olders than 6.
LEGO Demonstration!, 10:30 – 11 am @ The Library
Watch a LEGO genius create a squirrel and get inspired to make your own! For older than 3 years.
Trivia Quiz, 10:30 – 11:00 am @ The Library
Even superheroes need snacks! Eat a donut while you taste your Flora and Ulyssesit is mischievousness (This candy plays a pivotal role in the plot!) For older than 3 years.
Essay and donut contest winner announced, 11 a.m. to noon at The Library
Cheer on this year’s winner and runner-up! (Scroll down for details on how your child can enter!)
PELHAM LEE DAY 2
Sunday, October 2 – Events at Picture House and Art Center
Movie! A Squirrel’s Guide to Success, 10 a.m. at The Picture House
This wacky nature documentary will help you see squirrels in a whole new light! Not Rated, Suggested Age 4 and up.
Fabric Layering Workshop, 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Art Center
Use the paper cape you made in the library and bring it to life in cloth! This is a cape that you can wear to fly around town! For olders than 6. Each session has 15 places; reserve your place here: https://www.pelhamlibrary.org/2022-pelham-reads-book-choice/
Follow us at Friends of the Pelham Library on Facebook or visit the library’s website for all the fun in store. For now, ask one of your favorite librarians for a copy of the book. Copies are available at the Circulation Desk.
Flora and Ulysses ESSAY CONTEST DETAILS:
Announcing the first Pelham Reads essay contest!
Calling all student writers in grades 1-8! Submit an essay inspired by Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo by Sunday, September 25 and have a chance to win a Barnes & Noble gift card and local literary glory!
Writing message: choose one of the following prompts for your essay
- If you were creating a superhero animal, which animal would you choose? Use Ulysses as a guide and include details like: a superpower, a name, how your superhero reveals or disguises powers, friends, enemies.
- There are many quirky and interesting characters in Flora & Ulysses. Who is your favorite character and why?
- Impossible things happen all the time. This story is full of unlikely events that change the lives of many of the characters. When unexpected things happen to you, what do you do?
Essay Contest Prizes: first place winner will receive a $50 gift card to Barnes & Noble; second place winner will receive a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble.
Essay Contest Guidelines:
- Children in grades 1-8 are eligible.
- Submissions should be emailed to [email protected] until Sunday, September 25 at 8:00 p.m. Essays can be pasted into the body of the email or attached as a Word or PDF document.
- Submissions will be judged by three media professionals from the Pelham area. A first place winner and a second place winner will be chosen. Winners will be notified by email and will be announced on Saturday, October 1st during our Pelham Reads! Celebration.
- Essay submissions should be between 200 and 500 words.