The San Bernardino County Museum hosts a celebration of reading on Saturday, February 9 at two museum locations: in the morning at the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley and in the afternoon at the main museum in Redlands. Both events feature readings from books that have received the Coretta Scott King Award for children’s literature and illustration, and an accompanying family craft activity. The programs are included with museum general admission. These special events are sponsored in part by the San Bernardino County Museum Association and Ms. Johnnie Ann Ralph.
Coretta Scott King Book Awards. Each year the American Library Association gives the Coretta Scott King Book Awards to African American authors and illustrators of books that “demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.” The American Library Association further states: “The award commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and honors his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood.”
Activities. After hearing the story The Patchwork Quilt, written by Valerie Flournoy and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, visitors can create their own paper “quilt square” to represent their own family, much like the family in the story does.
Victor Valley Museum, Apple Valley. Stories will be shared in the museum’s Community Room from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Some of the books to be read include Martin’s Big Words, written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier, and Love Twelve Miles Long by Glenda Armand, illustrations by Colin Bootman.
San Bernardino County Museum, Redlands. Visitors will gather to hear guest readers present stories in the museum’s Fisk Gallery from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served, including slices of a red velvet cake donated by Mommie Helen’s Bakery. Some of the books to be read include: Martin’s Big Words written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier, and The Moon Over Star, written by Dianna Hutts Aston and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Members of the volunteer reading program “Motheread Fatheread” of Solomon’s Ujamaa Center, Inc. will bring the stories alive with their unique and engaging style. Volunteers at Solomon’s Ujamaa Center use the Motheread Fatheread model as a part of their F. R. E. E. program—Family Resilience, Education, and Empowerment. This evidence-based story-sharing model encourages reading readiness in children, and is fun for everyone.
The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 am to 5pm. General admission is $8 (adult), $6 (military or senior), $5 (student), and $4 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free.
The Victor Valley Museum is a branch of the San Bernardino County Museum located at 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 (adult), $4 (senior or military), and $2.50 (student). Children under 5 and San Bernardino County Museum Association members are free. Parking is free.
For more information, visit www.sb countymuseum.org. The museums are accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TDD) 909-792-1462.