In an attempt to establish home libraries for 3- to 12-year-old children, a group of volunteers and the Abraham Lincoln Neighborhood Development Corporation are hosting their second annual Children’s Book Fair.
“It’s very important because children in the community don’t have access to reading materials,” said book fair organizer Nazlah Hassan. Although there are accessible public libraries for children, it is important to “bring the books to the children,” she said.
During last year’s book fair, Hassan said that one father approached her, saying, “[My son] hasn’t put his book down since coming to the book fair.”
“Hassan recalled another instance in which a 2-year-old Hispanic child immediately responded, “Yes,” after her mom asked if she was going to read the book she picked out.
“Parents are joyful because it’s something they’re not used to seeing in the community,” said Hassan.
Former P.S. 197 elementary school librarian Batya Lewton will also be attending the event.
“Having elementary experience in earlier years is so critical,” said Lewton, who was P.S. 197’s librarian for 16 years. “Kids can always learn if you set the standards for them.” She praised Hassan’s efforts in implementing home libraries for the children of Lincoln Houses.
“I will not turn away a child even if they are not from Lincoln Houses or the community,” she said, emphasizing how all children need to read. The book fair takes place at 2102 Madison Ave. at Harlem Children’s Zone from 11am to 5:30pm.