@ Your Library MARCH I APRIL I MAY I 2014
News and Events from Norfolk Public Library and the Friends of NPL
NPL Announces New Mascot – River the Reading Ranger ..................................................................................................................................................................
The opening of the Slover Memorial Library is still months away, but excitement is building at the Norfolk Public Library with the introduction of a new mascot in March. The first of its kind, the new mascot is an adorable fox named River who wears a red cape .
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librarian for the Norfolk Public Library. Every evening, e dons the cape because his official job at the River curled up on Elizabeth’s lap as she read aloud to him Library is the “Reading Ranger.” River will be an by the fire. In time, River began to understand Elizabeth’s NPL ambassador in the community who advostories. His favorite books were about superheroes, and he cates for books and literacy. If you are anxious decided that he wanted to be a superhero too! When River to get a sneak peek at River, his first big public appearance dons his red superhero cape, he becomes the “Reading will be in the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Ocean View Ranger,” champion of the Library and defender of literacy! on Saturday, March 15. In upcoming weeks, you may also catch a glimpse of River as he makes impromptu visits to all Norfolk Public Library branches and at Storytimes to Look for River the Reading Ranger to be out and about engage children in reading. Norfolk celebrating the benefits of public libraries and In 2012, The Friends of the Norfolk Public Library reading as enthusiastic citizens await the opening of the (FNPL) came up with the idea of creating an official new Slover Memorial Library. River the Reading Ranger mascot to increase community awareness about the new Slover Memorial Library that is expected to open in winter 2014/2015. The FNPL kicked off the Read & Rethink Everything Read-a-thon in September 2012 for Norfolk’s K-12 students. Norfolk elementary and All Norfolk public, private and home-school students in grades 4 through 12 middle school students participated in the FNPL read-a-thon for are invited to participate in the 2014 Friends of the Norfolk Public Library an opportunity to vote for a mascot character type and name. When Annual Book Review Contest. For information, contact: the read-a-thon wrapped up in late spring 2013, it culminated in the Susan Paxton Rhonda Price Emily Peltz development of a marvelous reading superhero: River the Reading stpaxton@aol.com rbprice4@gmail.com ehmccoy@hotmail.com Ranger! The FNPL began working with a vendor to bring the costume 757-227-4394 757-489-7696 757-233-6868 character to life. .................................................................................
2014 FNPL Book Review Contest
River has an official backstory! As a young fox, River lived in a wooded area near the Lafayette River. One night as River hunted, a severe storm hit the area causing massive damage and flooding. Disoriented, River could not find his way back to the family den and was swept away in the Lafayette River clinging to a log that eventually became lodged under a bridge. The bridge provided protection against the storm as it passed, but River was helpless. Fortunately, a woman in a boat who was clearing the river of debris stumbled upon the fox. She took him home to care for him and nursed him back to health. She named him River because she discovered him floating on the Lafayette. Her name was Elizabeth, and she was a
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National Volunteer Week
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Deadline for Book Review Submissions: Wednesday, March 5, 2014
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No reviews will be accepted after the deadline. Norfolk Public school teachers may forward their reviews through the pony system to the English Department in time to meet the March 5, 2014 deadline. Please submit all reviews to the Children’s Department of the Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library, 111 W. Ocean View Ave., Norfolk, VA 23503.
Celebrating Women of Character, Courage & Commitment
Book Review Contest Awards Ceremony Thursday, May 15 @ 3 PM MacArthur Memorial Auditorium
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Teen Tech Week: March 9 - 15
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Asian Pacific American Heritage Month