Through Children’s Eyes

By Kim Crail | November 2, 2021

The Monthly Montecito Book Club returned to action, meeting outside as they discussed Members Only by Sameer Pandya

Giggles and wiggles increase whenever we have Pre-K kids visit the library. Enthusiasm shoots up exponentially with each additional child until we reach a critical buzz of excitement. El Montecito Early School’s four- and five-year-olds came by for a tour this month and it was a joy to host them.

Pre-K students were excited to check out their own library books

Pre-K students learned how to make sure they don’t get overdue notices

Their first stop was the library book drop, where the kids learned about how to return books. We went into the Community Hall to read Community Helpers in Your Neighborhood by Shira Evans. We learned about the everyday heroes in Montecito and discussed other important topics such as what our favorite pizza toppings are.

Next, we went over to the library to look at the spooky Halloween decorations and browse kid books. The class took their time finding what each child wanted, using largely trial and error of pulling books out, flipping through them, asking their teacher for help, hunting for their favorite characters, as well as searching for favorite subjects using the catalog (fairies and dinosaurs are still popular!).

After choosing a book, each child checked out at the circulation desk and brought the books back to their classroom. We love having kids visit and it’s so much fun when they can come together to share their love of reading and stories with their friends.

SB Reads: An American Sunrise

The Santa Barbara Public Library invites the community to read and celebrate Joy Harjo’s An American Sunrise this fall as a part of this year’s annual SB Reads program — NEA Big Read: Santa Barbara Reads.

Harjo’s book of poems explores Indigenous pasts, presents, and potential futures in the U.S., and prompts readers to unpack the impact of America’s colonial history. This series of events will engage the community with local artists, poets, and writers and will invite readers to examine the world from viewpoints other than their own.

The SB Reads Kick-Off takes place at the Central Library on Saturday, November 6 at 3 pm, where you can get a free copy of An American Sunrise. Copies will also be made available at SBPL locations starting Tuesday, November 9, while supplies last.

Stay tuned for information about the upcoming virtual author talk with Poet Laureate Joy Harjo in December.

Monthly Montecito Book Club Meets Outside

At long last, we have been able to gather again for our monthly book club. For our first meeting, we discussed Members Only by Sameer Pandya, which brought forth reflections about race and class issues locally, as well as how much it raises our awareness to read from diverse perspectives. We met in front of the library, seated in a circle, enjoying each other’s comments and contributions.

Our second book, Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu, won the National Book Award in 2020 and will be discussed right as this issue is printing. Please let us know if you are interested in getting a copy. Yu’s book employs creative dialogue and humor, written in screenplay form, to discuss discrimination and stereotypes in Hollywood and America.

Our November selection is Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson, set in 1970s Brooklyn, following the friendships of four black girls as they encounter some of the heartbreaking perils of growing up. We will meet the Tuesday before Thanksgiving at noon (outside) to discuss it together. All are welcome!