Saratoga Reads to offer youth-oriented programs
Saratoga Reads will present a number of events in March specifically designed for young readers and their families. All events are open to the public free of charge.
The activities are related to this year’s Saratoga Reads book of choice, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, and to “companion books” for young readers that explore scientific research and microscopy.
The events will begin on Saturday, March 3, with a Read Across America Day Celebration book fair at Barnes & Noble, Route 50, Wilton, N.Y. The event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will include a scavenger hunt, science activities, and story-time readings. A special book signing by award-winning children’s book author Steve Sheinkin will take place at 11 a.m. For the day’s full schedule and voucher, click here.
The family activities will continue on Sunday, March 4, with a movie matinee event featuring separate films for kids and adults, 2-4 p.m. in Gannett and Davis Auditoriums of Palamountain Hall on the Skidmore College campus. Adults will view the 2010 film Extraordinary Measures, which tells the story of parents who form a biotechnology company to develop a cure for their children, who have a life-threatening disease. Youngsters will watch the HBO movie Marie Curie: More Than Meets the Eye, and Louis Pasteur from the Animated Hero Classic series. Parents are welcomed to sign-in children (kindergarten and older) and then to view Extraordinary Measures in a neighboring auditorium. Parents are requested not to leave the premises.
On Saturday, March 24, Dr. Megan Almond, from Community Care Pediatrics, will read for children from Greg’s Microscope by Millicent Selsam and Hidden Worlds by Stephen Kramer, two of the Saratoga Reads Junior Companion Books for this year. The session, beginning at 3 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, is appropriate for ages 4-10. Dr. Almond, who has a special interest in childhood literacy, will be available to talk with parents following the reading.
Saratoga Reads will also offer a range of programs for adults in the coming weeks. That information will be posted soon in this very space.