A Great Day in Jonesport

I really enjoyed my day at the Peabody Library in Jonesport, Maine.  We had a great turnout, and I met lots of wonderful people who are involved in various literacy programs in Maine, including "The Pajama Program" that gives pajamas and books to children in homeless shelters. 



And "Bess the Book Bus," a literacy organization that travels around the country to less advantaged areas in terms of income or access to books.  Jennifer Frances, the founder, parks the bus in various places and the kids come.



Any child who comes to the bus gets a "boarding pass" that allows him/her to choose three free books and a reading blanket to take home.  The kids were so happy with their choices!  Libraries are so important, but there is also something special in owning books.  I saw such joy on those kids' faces as they showed me what books they were taking home "for good." 
 
This photo Jennifer took of one of the moms and children says it all.



I had lots of nice moments, including one adult library volunteer who told me she enjoyed Rules and Touch Blue and that her 92-year-old mom is also a fan of my books. 

A grandmother who talked to me about her grandson with autism.

And a delightful little boy who picked Happy Birthday, Hamster off the bus. As I was signing it, he shyly told me he wants to be an illustrator and is already working on his own books.

So much quiet good work goes on in the world.  People kept saying how grateful they were I'd come, but honestly, it was an honor and a joy to be there.

The library's photos of the day are here.