By Cornelia Beckett, Program Specialist

My favorite children’s book of the past year, Oge Mora’s gorgeously collaged Saturday, has proved to be more timely than ever. The plot is simple and realistic to many working families’ lives: Ava’s mom works all week except for Saturday, so that day is their special time together. They go to the library for story time, get their hair done, go to the park, and maybe go somewhere extra-special like a puppet show.

Except— this Saturday, story time is canceled, a splash from a passing bus ruins their hair, the park is too noisy, and they forget the tickets to the puppet show. At home, Ava’s mother “wails” that she’s ruined their special day. Ava reassures her mother: “Saturday is special because I spend it with you.” The final pages of the book are of Ava and her mother creatively making their own puppets and putting on a show with what they have at home.

With everything canceled, with families inside together, and with a need to reframe unexpected circumstances—Ava and her mom even pause together to take a deep breath every time they face a setback—Saturday models healthy coping strategies, adaptation and the priceless meaning of family time.

Here’s a video of the author and illustrator reading it herself:

Mora’s Thank You, Omu! is also available to check out. Download the Read-Along version here.

While schools are closed, learning must go on! The Pratt Library has resources to assist with the move from the classroom to the home. All you need to have to access HelpNow is a Pratt Library card. Don’t have one? Not to worry, you can always get a Pratt eCard here. Take a look at them below!

BookFlix

BookFlix is designed for children from Kindergarten to 3rd grade. With bright and colorful animation, rich audio, and interactive games, kids can develop their reading skills and early learning concepts.

This family-friendly reading program that pairs fiction and nonfiction books. There’s even books available in Spanish!

Learn more

HelpNow

With just a click of a button, students can be connected with expert tutors and other helpful tools. Students can receive assistance with one-on-one homework help, state-aligned skills building, and a 24-hour writing lab.  

Also, we are excited about the brand new feature that HelpNow offers called MEET. MEET is an easy-to-use tool where students can invite others, choose a date and time, and then create the study session. Sessions take place through the Brainfuse whiteboard.

Learn more

Are you looking for something both educational and fun for your children to watch? Look no further than Kanopy Kids! There’s plenty of programming to pick from including popular PBS Kids titles. What makes it even better is that it’s unlimited viewing so they can watch as many Kanopy Kids programs as they want.

To access Kanopy Kids visit here and click Go to Kanopy Kids: on the top right side of the screen.

Here’s a list of some of our favorite programs on Kanopy Kids.

Happy Women’s History Month! We love seeing women from the past highlighted and how they are inspiring the leaders of the future.  Take a look at these curated lists from Hoopla. Don’t forget you have 15 instant downloads each month. With a great collection of ebooks, film, and music, what are you waiting for?

eBooks
For a full list of eBooks available in honor of Women’s History Month visit here.

Comics and Graphic Novels
Give the genre a try with one of these picks for Women’s History Month here.

Movies & Television
Interested in more movies for Women’s History Month? Visit here for a full list of recommendations.

Music
Hoopla has a not only the latest but greatest from popular female artists. Take a look of a list of featured albums here.

Dear Pratt Library customer,

This is a very unsettling time and we’re making some hard decisions that we feel are in the best interest of our customers and staff. I want to thank you all for your support and patience as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve. We have been working closely with health officials.

ALL LIBRARIES CLOSED

All Pratt Library locations will close to the public at 5pm on Friday, March 13. Libraries are naturally places that people congregate, which makes it difficult for us to support social distancing. We know that people rely on our libraries, and this is an incredibly difficult decision. The Library is working with city officials to see how our buildings could be utilized by emergency responders during this time. While our physical buildings will be closed to the public, that does NOT mean a shutdown of library services.

DIGITAL RESOURCES

The Pratt eLibrary is always open to provide eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming movies, and TV shows. We also provide resources for children who are out of school. Online tutors are standing by thanks to our Brainfuse service. While story times are on hold, you can access Bookflix which provides early literacy eBooks and videos. Adults can get free online college-level learning using our Gale Courses or learn a new language using Mango. 

Anyone who doesn’t have a library card can access the Pratt eCard from home and begin using these services.

RETURNING BOOKS & RENEWALS

Customers can hold on to library books they already have until library service hours are fully restored. All cards that are up for renewal will remain active.

LOOKING FORWARD

The Pratt Library will continue to evaluate its response to COVID-19 with the guidance of health officials. We will continue to look for innovative solutions to provide service to our community. Customers can stay up to date on any changes to library services through our website. You can also follow the Library on Facebook and Twitter for the latest.

Thank you for your understanding,

Heidi Daniel
Pratt Library President & CEO