What a fun day!
We started our Ezra Jack Keats mini-grant project at the library. Director Shannon had participants close their eyes and imagine the images used to illustrate the story “Kitten for a Day” while it was read aloud. Then the kids were handed storyboard worksheets with the text from the story they’d just heard and encouraged to illustrate (or describe in words) their interpretation of the action. 
They had fun
(and spent a good amount of time thinking) as they devised their own illustrations. 
Shannon was impressed by their curiosity and their willingness to give it a try. After they spent some time working on their own interpretation of EJK’s words, Shannon read the book again, this time showing them the pictures, and they discussed what they thought they’d gotten “close” and what they’d envisioned much differently. It was neat to hear what they thought the words meant! 
Shannon stressed to them that having different ideas or different interpretations isn’t bad or wrong–it just means they imagine things differently. She even pointed out that in problem-solving having more (and different) ideas is really helpful so you come to the best answer possible. Then the group got journals to write and draw ideas in–maybe story ideas, maybe character ideas…pretty much anything they like! Shannon can’t wait to see the group again Monday for the next step in their book-making.
On May 21st the people of Unatego school district will be faced with an important vote at the Unatego High School between the hours of noon and nine. The vote will impact how both the Unadilla and Otego (Harris Memorial) libraries receive future funds considering State Educational Law 259. The vote will appear as a separate line item on the ballot, unaffected by the results of the school budget passing or failing. This law has been written and tested in the courts and has benefited other libraries in our region through its engagement with the public via the established democratic process.
is a great opportunity for even the timid painter! If you’ve ever wanted to try a paint and sip, or if you just need an excuse to relax and take a break from the daily grind, here’s your opportunity. You deserve to spend an afternoon indulging in the arts (and tasty beverages).
Located in the small town of Otego, New York, the Harris Memorial Library has a rich history in large part thanks to the lovely and adventurous Daisy or “Dasa” Harris who willed her Victorian-Italianate-style home to the village of Otego–so long as it became, and remained, a library. Her house became known as the Harris Memorial House, and when it was realized that the small rooms were not conducive to a library’s organization, and that the weight of so many books and their shelves might collapse the historic structure, a modern addition was added to the back of the building to house the library.