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September 2023

We enjoyed hanging out with all of you this summer! There was so much book-joy all over Durham, and we hope that you enjoyed every bit of it. Take a look at a gallery of the fun memories we made together this summer. This month's newsletter is chock full of all the exciting things to come this fall, so save the dates and keep an eye out for more book-joy!

We invite your child (ages 4+) to share their love for books and their thoughts about Book Harvest with us. Join us for an exciting day of interviews at the Book Harvest Family Space on September 17, from 12-4 PM. Your child will be interviewed by broadcast journalist Margaret Larson (formerly a correspondent for NBC News), and filmed on camera.

The interviews and video will be used to inspire others and spread the joy of reading!

Welcome Gia!

As the new Family Engagement Coordinator, Gia's will be the face that greets families in the Family Space. She will engage families in that space in a variety of ways, including planning for & leading Stories from the Start storytimes, and she will represent Book Harvest at external family-focused events, providing books and information to attendees. In this role, she will ensure that families in our space have a warm, welcoming experience as well as connect them to literacy resources and information as appropriate to support them in attaining their family's literacy goals.

Welcome Gisela!

As the new Bridge to School Coordinator, in addition to planning for & leading Turning Pages storytimes, Gisela will be the connector between Book Harvest families and school programs for Durham's youngest students. In her work, she will support Book Harvest families in accessing information about PreK and kindergarten options and assisting with the PreK application process as well as the kindergarten enrollment process, ensuring families are informed and supported throughout their children's journey to school.  

Interested in volunteering with Book Harvest?

Join one of our Book Processing Sessions! Each month Book Harvest provides the opportunity to get involved with our programs. Click the link below to join one of our sessions!

“I Spy…” The Big 919 Search

September 15-17, September 19

Join us for a fun weekend of celebration in the 919 area code with a big "I Spy..." search across the city!

In honor of 9-19 day, we are celebrating our journey so far of turning the Bull City into the "City of Books" by hosting a big "I Spy..." search at our book boxes.

On September 15th, check our social media and website for riddles that include items to find at our book boxes spread throughout the city. Submit your photos by September 17th, and the first 100 participants will receive a "Free Scoop" voucher courtesy of our friends at Jeni's!

On September 19th, join us at the Family Space throughout the day for our "I Spy..." book giveaway and fun activities to take home!

Stories from the Start, Baby Storytime

October 5, 12, 19, 26, 9:30am-10:30am
Book Harvest Family Space

Stories from the Start is a bilingual (English/Spanish) storytime for 0-2 year olds with songs/music, nursery rhymes, & movement activity. Families will also have the opportunity to use the Family Space freely before and after the storytime, including choosing books for their children to take home and keep.

Meet Cheri!

Cheri has been a part of our Book Harvest team for about a year now, She enjoys time with friends and family and exploring new places. Cheri oversees all aspects of Book Babies program delivery in Durham, working with the program’s literacy coaches to bring quality in-home coaching to our families. She makes sure everything for our Book Babies families runs smoothly by leading the team with innovation and her 18 years of nonprofit experience. In her free time, you can find Cheri playing games & listening to music!

Adult Book

All About Love by Bell Hooks

Young Adult/Children’s Book

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson