Upcoming Author Talks
Botetourt County Libraries are excited to host two special author talks this month.
March is Women’s History Month, and what better way to celebrate than to examine the life of a woman whose life work is to empower other women? “Maman” Monique Misenga Ngoie Mukuna is a teacher, businesswoman, church leader, and social activist in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Seeing women consistently trapped in an environment rife with violence, poverty, and misogyny, Maman Monique started a nonprofit called “Woman, Cradle of Abundance” to empower women of the Congo to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs and leaders.
Dr. Elsie McKee is a 16th century historian and professor at Princeton Theological Seminary who has been a long-time supporter and teacher in the Congo, where she was born and raised. After spending thousands of hours conversing in French and Tshiluba with Maman Monique about her life experiences, Dr. McKee compiled her stories into the book “Cradling Abundance: One African Christian’s Story of Empowering Women and Fighting Systemic Poverty” (2021).
On Friday, March 18, at 11 a.m., Dr. McKee will present her story of “Women in the Congo” in-person at the Fincastle Library. This author talk is a must-attend for anyone who is interested in learning about life in the Congo, the importance of women in communities, and the role of religious non-profit organizations in empowering women across the world. The event is free of charge.
But don’t stop there. We have another special author talk and illustrator demo on Saturday, March 19, at 11 a.m. Bob Shea is an award-winning author and illustrator of multiple children’s picture books, including “Ballet Cat,” “The Dinosaur VS,” “Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great,” and more. He also works in TV, including Comedy Central, PBS Kids, Playhouse Disney, Nick Jr., and Dreamworks. Search for “Story Safari” on YouTube and enjoy his demonstrations on taking a common household item and create a story through artwork.
That Saturday happens to be World Storytelling Day, which is the perfect time for Shea to do a live virtual demonstration. Interacting with participants, he will introduce his new book, “Chez Bob,” and create art on the spot for participants. While he’s drawing, he’ll show everyone how to create their own stories using everyday household items.
Since this free “Storytelling Through Art” event with Bob Shea is virtual, you can attend from anywhere. Tune in from the comfort of your home, at a friend’s house, or on the go. If your Internet isn’t great, or you’d rather experience the event with other people and an array of craft materials close at hand, you can attend the broadcasted event at any Botetourt County Libraries branch. Come to Blue Ridge, Buchanan, Eagle Rock, or Fincastle to join other kids and kids-at-heart in interacting with him virtually, as well as enjoying tables full of paper, coloring items, and common objects to create your own art while enjoying the author and illustrator’s demonstrations live.
We hope to see you at these special author events next week!
Botetourt County Libraries
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Upcoming Library Events
Upcoming activities and events at Botetourt County Libraries include:
Weekly StoryTime sessions guide little ones as they explore the world around them through books, fingerplays, and songs. Storytime provides quality programming that prepares children for school
- Virtual StoryTime
Visit our online calendar for the Zoom link.
March 10 at 10:30 a.m.
March 17 at 10:30 a.m.
March 24 at 10:30 a.m.
- In-Person StoryTime
Starting April 4
Miss Angie, Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. (Blue Ridge)
Miss Rebekah, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. (Eagle Rock)
Miss Cari, Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. (Fincastle)
Miss Jaime, Fridays at 10:30 a.m. (Buchanan)
- Farewell to Miss Jackie
Say goodbye to Miss Jackie at this special in-person event.
March 31 at 10:30 a.m. (Fincastle)
- Stories, Songs and Stretches
Introduce yoga and breathing techniques to children through mindfulness Storytime series. Each session will include movements that will help children develop balance, awareness and coordination. Storiesand songs will be incorporated into poses and stretches, as well as through highlighted picture books that promote mindfulness.
Saturday, March 26, 11 a.m., Fincastle
Tuesday, March 29, 4 p.m., Blue Ridge
Saturday, April 9, 11 a.m., Eagle Rock
Saturday, April 16, 11 a.m., Buchanan
