Prendergast Library Sets National Library Week Events
 

     Three costumed characters and a state senator will make a story-time appearance at Prendergast Library this year to mark National Library Week and the Week of the Young Child.
     Sen. Catharine Young, R-Olean, will read to children at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 18, in the Fireplace Room at Prendergast Library.
     Parents, grandparents and caregivers are invited to bring preschool children for stories, activities and refreshments.
     Clifford the Big Red Dog, Wendy and Bubba, the Jamestown Jammers’ mascot, will also participate in the event. Families are encouraged to bring their cameras.
     The activity is funded by the YWCA’s Parent Education Initiative in partnership with United Way’s Success By Six and sponsored by the YWCA of Jamestown, the James Prendergast Library and the Child Care Council, a program of Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc.
     Clifford will also be at the library from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 17, to visit with children and have his picture taken with them.

     “National Library Week is a great time to celebrate!” said Director Catherine A. Way. “We invite people to come in and be part of the excitement with our special guests.”
     She said this would be an excellent time for people to see what’s new at the library and to get a library card.

     During the week, Friends of Prendergast Library will also hold a staff recognition luncheon to show their appreciation to library workers. 
     “Recognizing the staff for their service to the public is something we’ve wanted to do ever since the Friends got started,” said President Dennis Bechmann.

      Begun in 1958, National Library Week is sponsored each April by the American Library Association. Across the country, the occasion is used to promote libraries and draw attention to the connection between reading and success. Many schools also observe School Library Media Month during April with open houses and other events.