The Camden Public Library is celebrating the superpower of reading during Children’s Book Week, May 3 to 9, supported by First National Bank. Children’s librarian Miss Amy will host weekday story times and crafts online, as well as special outdoor activities on the library’s grounds. Children are encouraged to tune in online each day to see what unique book character Miss Amy will be.

"The power of reading helps children connect with their dreams and explore the subjects that most draw them in. Reading as a family is a wonderful way for children to celebrate their unique talents and explore their own superpowers,” said Tony McKim, First National Bank President and CEO, in a Library news release. "First National Bank is proud to continue its support of the Camden Public Library’s Children’s Book Week and to encourage a lifelong love of reading."

Camden Public Library Executive Director Nikki Maounis said, “I would like to thank our friends at First National Bank for continuing to champion our library and the importance of reading as an essential skill.”

Every weekday morning of Children’s Book Week, Miss Amy will portray a different children’s book character for readings posted to the library’s Facebook page and the Miss Amy Hand YouTube and Instagram pages. In the afternoon, participants can enjoy videos of hands-on crafts.

On Monday, May 3, the library will host its first in-person Maine Student Book Award Meeting outside on the upper lawn at 5 p.m. The group is open to all fourth to eighth graders.

On Tuesday, May 4, at 10 a.m., parents and children are invited to Zoom Chat and Story Time with Miss Amy to talk about books or share recent artwork; email your request to alhand@librarycamden.org to attend.

The Tinker Tuesday S.T.E.A.M activity will also appear on YouTube and Instagram.

On Wednesday, May 5, children of all ages are invited to join Miss Amy for in-person Outdoor Story Time in the Camden Amphitheatre (weather permitting) with masks and social distancing. Meanwhile, Booktime for Babies will run online. 

Activities on Thursday, May 6, include Booktalks for Tweens and Teens, along with Creative Art Afternoon via ZOOM. Email alhand@librarycamden.org for the link.

Miss Amy is unveiling Make-and-Take Crafts for Kids to run throughout May. Participating families can pick up their craft kits at curbside pickup on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays all month. To sign up, email alhand@librarycamden.org with the age of each child.

The library is also inviting a few superheroes to step forward to help acquire new children’s books by donating to the Stock the Stacks drive at librarycamden.org/stockthestacks/.

“For every $10 we receive to Stock the Stacks this week, we will bring in a brand new children’s book for our community members to enjoy,” Maounis said. “With so much time spent at home these days, the need for new materials is extraordinarily high. This is a great way to don your cape and bring some great new stories to your young neighbors.”

For details on Children’s Book Week programs or Stock the Stacks, visit librarycamden.org.