“Cat in the Hat” (Maureen Fox of CAP) and two young readers enjoyed choosing books in the event’s book room. More than 1,000 gently used books were donated from the community to distribute at the event.
“Captain Book” (Liz Metzger, Director of Canastota Public Library) read stories to children attending CAP’s first annual Literacy Event.
Community Action Partnership news
(Oneida, NY – March 2013) Alphabet Soup, Captain Book, and Cat in the Hat were just three highlights of Community Action Partnership’s first annual Literacy Event held on Tuesday March 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Madison-Cortland ARC’s Wonia Hall in Oneida.
In honor of National Literacy Month, CAP, along with more than a dozen community partners welcomed more than 100 parents and their children enrolled in CAP programs to spend time listening to stories, enjoying live music, making crafts, and choosing books of their very own to bring home.
The snow did not deter families from attending this free event and all were greeted by CAP staff and presented with a reusable book bag they were able to fill with gently used books donated by the community. More than 700 books were distributed and found new homes among the 30 families that attended.
Area librarians and community volunteers from Canastota, Hamilton, Earlville, and Oneida told stories and provided special crafts and activities for children. This included pirate stories read by “Captain Book” from Canastota Public Library, Alphabet Yogo led by Elaine Clark from Oneida Public Library, Native American Stories told by Birdy from Oneida Nation, and children songs with Bob Kirk on the guitar and Lori Potter .
The Madison County Literacy Coalition, CORE Credit Union and the Mid-York Library system also participated and provided additional activities and resources for families.
Nancy Joerger, CAP’s Special Education Advocate and coordinator for the event said, “It was incredible to have all our families and the local community come together and share their love of reading.”
Along with more than 1,000 books donated from the community, Choboni and Panera Bread provided food making the Alphabet Soup dinner and evening event complete.
For more information about CAP programs, visit www.capmadco.org or call 315-684-3144.