FROM LEFT: Angel Lopez, 8, Dominique Pecina, 5, and Anthony Pecina, 2, make crafts at the annual pajama party Wednesday at the Camarena Memorial Library. (CHELCEY ADAMI PHOTO) |
CALEXICO — Around 150 children came in their fuzzy slippers, cartooned pajamas and comfy bathrobes for the annual pajama party at the Camarena Memorial Library here. The event was sponsored through an $8,000 California Teachers Association community project grant with $1,500 coming from the local chapter and $6,500 coming from the state level.
William Moreno Junior High teacher Araceli Bottoms captivated children as she read books to them using different voices and actively moving around during the narrative.
“We want to get these kids excited about school and about reading,” she said. “It’s a wonderful chance to get exposure to books and different literature. Hopefully they see that school, reading can be fun.”
About 15 volunteers from the association helped conduct the event.
“It’s an opportunity to give back to our community and show that we’re supporting literacy,” CTA member Chad Cooper said.
Enrique Camarena Junior High teacher Melissa Gamboa and her daughter Mireille Gamboa stamped paint stars on children’s faces and hands throughout the night.
“It’s really fun. You get to see kids and your kids get to see you,” she said. “It’s the community getting involved, because the kids really need it.”
The grant will help cover similar free events at the library throughout the year with crafts, games, snacks, raffles and every child taking home a free book.
“We’re trying to help them build their home library with a free book and have a nice time with family,” Camarena Memorial Library Reference Librarian Lizeth Legaspi said.
Alex Kimura, 10, came dressed in his pajamas and robe. He said the night was fun, because “I can be in pajamas and be awake.”
The next event at the library will be in March for Dr. Seuss’ birthday.
Ana Yearsley attended the event with her three children who excitedly went from activity to activity in their pajamas.
“We come to all the events they have,” she said. “They enjoy coming for the books, activities and games here.”
It was the 13th year for the event, and Calexico Community Services Director Sandra Tauler said it’s been very popular ever since it began.
“One of the things we want children to think of when they think of the library is that it’s fun,” she said. “It’s not quiet and boring. It’s fun.”
Visit calexicolibrary.org or call 760-768-2170 for information.
Staff Writer Chelcey Adami can be reached at 760-337-3452 or cadami@ivpressonline.com
William Moreno Junior High teacher Araceli Bottoms captivated children as she read books to them using different voices and actively moving around during the narrative.
“We want to get these kids excited about school and about reading,” she said. “It’s a wonderful chance to get exposure to books and different literature. Hopefully they see that school, reading can be fun.”
About 15 volunteers from the association helped conduct the event.
“It’s an opportunity to give back to our community and show that we’re supporting literacy,” CTA member Chad Cooper said.
Enrique Camarena Junior High teacher Melissa Gamboa and her daughter Mireille Gamboa stamped paint stars on children’s faces and hands throughout the night.
“It’s really fun. You get to see kids and your kids get to see you,” she said. “It’s the community getting involved, because the kids really need it.”
The grant will help cover similar free events at the library throughout the year with crafts, games, snacks, raffles and every child taking home a free book.
“We’re trying to help them build their home library with a free book and have a nice time with family,” Camarena Memorial Library Reference Librarian Lizeth Legaspi said.
Alex Kimura, 10, came dressed in his pajamas and robe. He said the night was fun, because “I can be in pajamas and be awake.”
The next event at the library will be in March for Dr. Seuss’ birthday.
Ana Yearsley attended the event with her three children who excitedly went from activity to activity in their pajamas.
“We come to all the events they have,” she said. “They enjoy coming for the books, activities and games here.”
It was the 13th year for the event, and Calexico Community Services Director Sandra Tauler said it’s been very popular ever since it began.
“One of the things we want children to think of when they think of the library is that it’s fun,” she said. “It’s not quiet and boring. It’s fun.”
Visit calexicolibrary.org or call 760-768-2170 for information.
Staff Writer Chelcey Adami can be reached at 760-337-3452 or cadami@ivpressonline.com
