Maine Libraries Host Early Literacy Events in April

Augusta, Maine - Three well-known early literacy experts are in Maine this week for the 7th Annual Barbara Bush Literacy Conference in Waterville and plan to travel the state over the next 10 days to host library events geared to young children and their caregivers.

Nancy Stewart
Award-winning children's singer/songwriter Nancy Stewart will be performing concerts at public libraries as a way of using music to promote early literacy. She is in Maine to serve as the keynote speaker at the Barbara Bush Literacy conference and has seven public events scheduled from April 3 to April 10 in libraries in Central and Southern Maine.

Library Events Featuring Nancy Stewart
Falmouth Memorial Library - April 3 at 10:30 AM program for children 0-5
Thomas Memorial Library (Cape Elizabeth) - April 4 at 10:30 AM program for children 0-5
Auburn Public Library - April 7 at 2:00 PM program for children 0-5
Walker Memorial Library (Westbrook) at 6:00 PM program for children 0-5
Portland Public Library - 10:30 AM program for infants 0-24 months
Winslow Public Library - 3:30 PM program for children 0-5
Norway Public Library - 10:30 AM program for children 0-5

Dr. James Thomas
Dr. James L. Thomas has a series of library events scheduled featuring special story times for young children ages 0-2 and their parents and caregivers. Dr. Thomas' specialty is in early literacy for the very young, and he travels both in the United States and internationally to present workshops on this subject for library staff, child care providers and parents.

Library Events Featuring Dr. James Thomas
Thomas Memorial Library (Cape Elizabeth) - April 2 at 9:30 AM program for toddlers 18 months-3 years
Winslow Public Library - April 4 at 10:30 AM program for infants 0-23 months
Auburn Public Library - April 6 @ 10:30 AM program for 2 year old children

Monica Dullard
A third visitor, Monica Dullard, a children's librarian and Margery C. Ramsay Scholarship recipient from Victoria, Australia, will also take part in library story time sessions in early April. Monica is traveling throughout the United States and United Kingdom to meet with library staff and early childhood professionals to document and share best practices in early literacy activities. Upon returning to Australia, Monica will produce a web-based resource for librarians in her region, covering the key elements of an effective story time.

Library Events Featuring Monica Dullard
York Public Library - April 3 at 10:30 AM program for children 2-5
Winslow Public Library - April 4 at 10:30 AM program for infants 0-23 months
Springvale Public Library - April 6 at 10:00 AM program for children 3-6