This course is designed for 4-7 year olds and their adults, but open to everyone.

“Children’s Lit: It Matters!” is designed to inspire children to read and interact with literature, while also demonstrating to the adults in the room the foundational importance of children’s stories in modern society.

The course is inspired by Doris Bird, who faithfully served as the Children’s Librarian at the Rye Free Reading Room for more than 40 years. Over the course of those years, Ms. Bird created a substantial collection of first edition classics, one of which will be the focus each week. Following a brief introduction of each title, our host will engage the children first through the story, then through a hands-on activity to enhance the moral of each story. While the kids craft, the adults will engage in a discussion on the deeper lessons of these classic tales and their value to society today.