Virtual story time at the West Hempstead Library

As stay-at-home and social distancing guidelines for Covid-19 continue, communities have taken new approaches to adjust for this lifestyle. Residents have adapted to unaccustomed ways of working, playing, learning and contributing to the welfare of others. “Virtuality” via the internet has become a phenomenon, soaring in popularity for many purposes to cope with our current at-home world.

State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, who serves Malverne and West Hempstead, has found a way to combine her passion as an advocate of libraries with a virtual contribution. Griffin has decided to contribute her time and commitment to literacy and to children by holding digital story times for libraries in her district. Lesley McAvoy, vice president of West Hempstead Historical Society, agreed that many parents, caregivers and children have been appreciative for her contributions.

The West Hempstead Public Library had its own virtual story time with Griffin on April 28 with about 40 participants, which comprised of children and staff members who wanted to show their appreciation.

Griffin has conducted virtual story sessions at libraries in Baldwin, Freeport, Oceanside, Malverne, Lynbrook and Rockville Centre.

McAvoy got to meet Griffin at the past two Library Advocacy Days in Albany as a representative for the West Hempstead Public Library. McAvoy said that Griffin understands the importance of libraries as portals of the community and as channels of knowledge and entertainment that improve lives and provide access regardless of age, economic status and ability.

Griffin kicked off West Hempstead’s story time with “The Wishing Star” by Diane Houghton, a personal favorite which she had read to her own children. The story is about two children who find a wishing star that has fallen from its home in the sky. They selflessly use the wish to return the star to its hook in the heavens. Each evening, the star twinkles its thanks, and says, “I love you,” back to them.

By popular demand, Griffin also read a second family standby, “Lost in the Woods:  A Photographic Fantasy,” by Carl Sams II. In this story, several colorful and interesting forest creatures find a newborn spotted fawn alone in the woods. They proceed to exhibit concern that it is lost, but the fawn is steadfast in its belief that their mother will return. When she does periodically return, readers come to understand a newborn fawn bears no scent, so it is protected by her absence. As the story closes, the fawn has strong legs and can now walk with their mother.

Children and families enjoyed both stories, and Griffin’s story time proved that entertainment with others can be easy to find in the midst of a pandemic. For those interested in the library’s upcoming events, go to the West Hempstead Library’s website at www.whplibrary.org, click calendar of events, scroll down to a desired program choice, click register and enter your library barcode. Residents will be notified by email an hour before their program and provided with a Zoom link.

Library members thanked Griffin for her contributions to the community.

Courtesy Lesley McAvoy; compiled by Nakeem Grant