Lawmaker plans to visit area libraries
Families, who frequently visit their local public library in parts of Rensselaer, Albany and Saratoga counties might see a special visitor there helping to promote summer youth reading.
Assemblyman John McDonald III, D-Cohoes, said that he intends to visit 11 local libraries within his 108th Assembly District. McDonald began the mission a few weeks ago with visits to the North Greenbush and Watervliet public libraries.
McDonald said in past years he would just do randomly scheduled visits to a couple local libraries. This year, the assemblyman he wanted to work to help promote summer youth reading more so he decided to visit more libraries and speak to kids about the importance of reading while out of school for summer break.
“The whole intention behind this is to really encourage children to continue reading during the summer, that’s what it’s all about,” McDonald said. “We’ve done scheduled events in the past, but this year we’re trying to hit all the libraries throughout the summer to encourage our children to not take a break from reading during the summer.”
McDonald’s visits to the libraries are in collaboration with the Upper Hudson Library System and with the State Education Department.
During his visit’s, McDonald
said he will do various activities with the children there, such as reading them a story or playing different educational games with them and even help scoop families ice cream during
his visit to the Watervliet Library recently.
“Last time, over at North Greenbush, I was playing a question and answers game with the Tri-City Valleycats mascot Southpaw,” said McDonald. “It depends who I am teamed up with, sometimes we will do readings and more important just to encourage kids to continue their reading habits.”
McDonald said that he believes it is important for children to be reminded that it is beneficial to read during their summer vacations.
“Summer time is a good time to relax with family and go on vacations, but it’s also a critical time to continue to exercise the brain and reading is a great habit to get into,” explained McDonald. “Far too often, I know this as a parent and as a former mayor, we hear that children have nothing to do, the reality is that there are plenty of opportunities in the communities, but one of the most undersold sometimes and forgotten, is the simple picking up of books at a local library.”
McDonald said that he has received plenty of positive feedback from children and parents during his recent visits.
“The kids love it and the parents love it, I think they know that the state Legislature and the Governor have been very supportive of libraries, said McDonald. “It’s good for us to see those library programs being put to good use and at the same token it’s a good opportunity for children to meet their elected officials, as well.”
McDonald mentioned that his next stop during the week will be to the Cohoes Library on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.