The Welcoming Library

I am thrilled to contribute illustration to the Welcoming Library, a pop-up collection of children’s books that invites conversation about the new arrival and new American experience. The project is administered by Kirsten Cappy of Curious City and Librarian Kate Cutko of the Bowdoinham Public Library, and seeks to raise awareness and build sensitivity for all ages through children’s literature.

This was my preliminary sketch for showing the library in use with two mothers and two children.

I revised the sketch, with older kids, as well as the posture of the mother on the left, who needed to be “actively listening.”

I also drew mini versions of some of the book titles in the library.

Because of the detail, I drew each figure separately and quite large.

I scanned each drawing and brought them together in a single final illustration.

Last Monday the Welcoming Library was shipped on Casco Bay Lines out to the Peaks Island Elementary School! Just two tidy boxes hold the whole rig.

The Welcoming Library in the freight shed at Casco Bay Lines, photo by Kirsten Cappy

Kirsten and Kate showed teachers how to assemble the shelf unit and utilize the discussion questions embedded in the back of each book.

Ta dah! A world of literacy ready to bring readers together!

Kathy Cole, Community Coordinator for Portland Public Schools with Kelly Hasso, Teacher Leader at Peaks Island School in the school library, photo by Kirsten Cappy

Kudos to these intrepid ambassadors for children’s literacy, who stopped by for lunch.

Kirsten Cappy of Curious City with Kate Cutko, librarian at Bowdoinham Pubic Library, colleagues who administer the Welcoming Library

Last Thursday, we joined neighbors at the Peaks Island School to explore the library first hand.

Peaks Island author and illustrator Annie O’Brien opened by reading her book, Someone New, sparking a discussion that she’s both “the chicken and the egg, what came first?” Her books Moon Watchers and Path of Stars were the kickstarters to gather books about the immigrant experience.

She talked about intergroup anxiety, that nervousness everyone feels in an unfamiliar setting. Studies show that reading books about cross-group friendships can lower anxiety. After reading the story, one father remarked, “it defines bravery as tangible. Maybe a smile can be a super power.” Everyday bravery is what we need!

The gathering formed three smaller groups to read another book out loud. I joined the group reading Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal, a recent Caldecott Honor Book.

Peaks Island author Mira Ptacin reads a Welcoming Library book, photo by Kirsten Cappy

The book details the legacy of Alma’s long name, inherited from her parents and grandparents. After the story, we each told where our own names came from, a great prompt in getting to know each other.

The Welcoming Library will reside at the PIES library for three weeks. Islanders, go check it out!

photo of the Welcoming Library by Kirsten Cappy

It’s been awhile since we were in the island school, where our daughter Daisy was once a student. It’s just as warm and welcoming as we remember!

Thanks to all the educators and book creators for bringing the Welcoming Library to this world and my wee island!