Danielle Margarida Danielle Margarida Youth Services Coordinator danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov (401) 574-9309
Kids Reading Across RI Program Announcing KRARI 2024 The Lost Library (Book Cover) The Lost Library When a mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in the small town of Martinville, eleven-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change. Evan and his best friend Rafe quickly discover a link between one of the old books and a long-ago event that none of the grown-ups want to talk about. The two boys start asking questions whose answers will transform not only their own futures, but the town itself. Told in turn by a ghost librarian named Al, an aging (but beautiful) cat named Mortimer, and Evan himself, The Lost Library is a timeless story from award-winning authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. It’s about owning your truth, choosing the life you want, and the power of a good book (and, of course, the librarian who gave it to you). Rebecca Stead Wendy Mass Meet the Authors Rebecca Stead is the New York Times bestselling author of When You Reach Me, Liar & Spy, First Light, Goodbye Stranger, Bob, and, most recently, The List of Things That Will Not Change. Her books have been awarded the Newbery Medal, the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award for Fiction and the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize. Rebecca lives in New York City, where she is always on the lookout for her next story idea. Wendy Mass is the New York Times bestselling author of The Candymakers series, Bob, and many other novels for young readers, including the Schneider Family Book Award-winner A Mango-Shaped Space, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life (which was made into a feature film), Every Soul a Star, Pi in the Sky, the Twice Upon a Time series, and the Willow Falls series that began with 11 Birthdays. She and her family live in New Jersey. Request Book Sets Sets of the 2024 KRARI selection The Lost Library are available to schools and public libraries planning to lead a KRARI book discussion this spring and summer. Please use the appropriate form below to request a book set. Requests must be made using the appropriate form by March 11, 2024. Book sets will be delivered early April. School Library KRARI Book Set Request Public Library KRARI Book Set Request and Kickoff Participation Questions about book distribution may be addressed to: Danielle Margarida Youth Services Coordinator, RI Office of Library and Information Services danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov For requests after the March 11 deadline, contact Kate Lentz at kate@ribook.org. Requests made after the March 11 deadline will be fulfilled based on current availability of books. 2024 KRARI Info Session and Program Guide The Lost Library Information Session Tuesday, March 5 4:00pm-5:00pm Register for Zoom link The Center for the Book and the RI Office of Library and Information Services is kicking off its 2024 Kids Reading Across RI season with The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. Join us for this virtual information session to learn more about the title and themes, and what the KRARI committee has planned for this year's program.This session will be recorded and will be made available for those who cannot attend live. The session will include: Overview of the Kids Reading Across Rhode Island program Introduction to the 2024 selection and LibGuide Requesting a book set In-person kickoff event Ways to get involved in KRARI in the future Program Guide Find all KRARI resources on the online KRARI guide at olis-ri.libguides.com/krari. Included on the guide: virtual event recordings discussion guide book lists hands-on activities related web sites 2023 Kickoff Event 2023 Kickoff Event Kickoff Event Passport The kickoff event for Kids Reading Across Rhode Island 2023 held at the State House on May 13th was a great success, attracting a crowd of more than 125 enthusiastic attendees. The event revolved around award winning-author, Dan Santat, and his graphic novel, The Aquanaut. The festivities were a true collaboration, with 19 public libraries and organizations hosting activity tables that brimmed with excitement and learning opportunities. Adding to the magical ambiance, the Jr. Tones from the East End Theatre & Performing Arts group performed their original song, "Have You Read This Book?" Dan Santat himself graced the event, delighting attendees with his insights into the inspiration and creative process behind The Aquanaut. Families had the chance to meet the author and have their books signed, while he was presented with a formal recognition from Lt. Governor Sabina Matos for his invaluable contribution to the Kids Reading Across Rhode Island program. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the participants who made this event a resounding success. Special thanks to the Barrington Public Library, the Community Libraries of Providence, the East Providence Public Library, the Middletown Public Library, the North Providence Union Free Library, the Rogers Free Library, the Warwick Public Library, the RI Children's Book Award committee, the RI Latino Books Award committee, and the RI Middle School Book Award committee. We are also grateful for the support of our partners at Rhode Island PBS, Big Nazo, ScubaTrainors, East End Theatre & Performing Arts, and CollegeBound Saver. We would like to express our deep gratitude to the hardworking KRARI committee members, including Andrea Hutnak, Babs Wells, Brandi Fong, Diane Walsh, Lisa Lesinski, Lynda LaCava, Mel Fricchione, Patrick Tierney, and honorary committee member Anne McLaughlin, for their exceptional coordination in bringing back this in-person event. If you are interested in joining the KRARI committee to select the 2024 book and plan related activities, please reach out to Danielle Margarida at danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov. Your involvement can help shape the future of this remarkable program that celebrates the joy of reading among children across Rhode Island. Major Support for Kids Reading Across Rhode Island 2023 Institute of Museum and Library Services Office of Library & Information Services Rhode Island Center for the Book The Alletta Morris McBean Charitable Trust TD Charitable Foundation Sponsors: The Pell Center at Salve Regina University Rhode Island Library Association Rhode Island PBS School Librarians of Rhode Island Barrington Books Books on the Square Charter Books Ink Fish Books Savoy Bookshop & Cafe About Kids Reading Across RI Kids Reading Across Rhode Island, Rhode Island's One Book, One State community read program for kids, is kicking off its 15th year! This program, offered by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services in partnership with the Rhode Island Center for the Book, encourages students across the state in grades 4 through 6 to read the same book, and engage in community discussions and programs. The 2024 selection is The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. Learn about the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 programs on the KRARI LibGuide.