Camden Public Library children’s librarian, Miss Amy, is famous for the creatively constructed costumes she dons to delight young readers for Children’s Book Week, according to the Library, in a news release.

Her frocks, story times, and so much more will be rolled out for this year’s “at home” version of the celebration during the week of May 4 through 10, with generous support from First National Bank.

"Children have been asked to cope with a lot of changes and challenges during this period of social isolation,” said Tony McKim, President, and CEO of First National Bank. “Reading as a family is a wonderful way for children to find comfort and visit amazing new places. First National Bank is proud to continue its support of the Camden Public Library’s Children’s Book Week."

Every weekday morning of Children’s Book Week, Miss Amy will dress as a children’s book character for readings posted to the Camden Public Library’s Facebook page and to the Miss Amy Hand YouTube and Instagram pages.

She will post related crafting and S.T.E.A.M. videos in the afternoons. Social media will also be used to communicate staff picks of favorite children’s books, highlight Maine authors, run features on new book releases, and explain how family films based on books can be accessed for free on the Kanopy app with a Camden Public Library card.

Miss Amy will be hosting the Maine Student Book Award group for 4th – 8th graders on Monday, May 4, at 5 p.m., on the Zoom meeting platform. Email alhand@librarycamden.org for more information and a link to attend.

The library will also be hosting an evening program for adults on Tuesday, May 5, at 5 p.m., on Zoom, to help parents learn about recognizing and managing children’s anxiety in uncertain times. Email jpierce@librarycamden.org to request a link to attend.

The library aims to support the children and parents of the community by finding ways to celebrate and unite for traditions like Children’s Book Week, even in these untraditional times.

“We are grateful for First National Bank’s ongoing support,” said Camden Public Library Executive Director Nikki Maounis. “With schools and libraries closed, it is critical to find alternative ways to keep the importance of reading at the forefront. Reading is, and always will be, an essential skill, and Children’s Book Week helps us highlight exciting ways to keep young readers engaged.”

For more information on these programs and other online resources offered by the Camden Public Library, visit librarycamden.org.

-- Attached photo from 2019 Children's Book Week at the Camden Public Library, featuring children's librarians Amy Hand and Loraine Murray and staff from The First (event sponsors)