Scranton Reads Announces February Events
January 21, 2021
The Scranton Reads Committee is happy to release its full list of events happening all month long in February 2021.
A list of these events and information on this year’s book “Never Caught” by Erica Armstrong Dunbar can be found on the Scranton Reads website: scrantonreads.org. Guests interested in participating in any of these events can register on the Albright Memorial Library’s website, www.albright.org. For questions, contact Jessica Serrenti at jserrenti@albright.org or (570) 795-4315.
Novel Thoughts Book Club (Youth edition of “Never Caught” for ages 9-13)
Dates: Wednesdays, February 10th & 17th at 3:30 pm
Location: Virtual via ZOOM
Description: Children ages 9-13 are welcome to join the Novel Thoughts Book Club to discuss the young readers of “Never Caught: The Story of Ona Judge” by Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Kathleen Van Cleve. Each participant will be given a free copy of the book. This discussion will be hosted and facilitated by Laureen O’Handley, Head of Children’s Services at the Lackawanna County Children’s Library. To register, email lohandley@albright.org or call (570) 348-3000 ext. 3015. All registered attendees will receive the Zoom invitation link.
Exploring Dress/Dressmaking in the 18th Century
Date: Wednesday, February 17th at 2:00 pm
Location: Virtual via ZOOM
Description: Ona Judge was not only Martha Washington’s maid but also a seamstress, creating and mending many pieces of clothing for the Washingtons. Join us for a live virtual presentation with Ann Shipley from Pottsgrove Manor to learn what was in style for aristocratic women during the Colonial Era and how garments and colonial dresses were made by enslaved Black women like Ona Judge. To register, visit www.albright.org, email jserrenti@albright.org or call (570) 795-4315. All registered attendees will receive the Zoom invitation link.
Never Caught Author Presentation with Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar
Date: Wednesday, February 17th @ 6:00 pm
Location: Virtual via ZOOM
Description: Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar, author of the Scranton Reads 2021 selected title “Never Caught,” will give a presentation on the research and writing process she conducted to write her book. This will be a 30-minute presentation with time at the end for questions from the audience. To register, visit www.albright.org, email jserrenti@albright.org, or call (570) 795-4315. All registered attendees will receive the Zoom invitation link.
Destination Freedom Tour with the Waverly Community House
Date: Saturday, February 20th @ 12:00 pm
Location: Waverly Community House, 115 North Abington Road, Waverly
Description: Explore the rich history of The Underground Railroad Movement in the Northeast Pennsylvania region. A staff member from the Waverly Community House will guide participants through an outdoor walking tour, stopping at significant landmarks related to the Underground Railroad. Participants will learn about the local area residents who once aided former slaves on their journey towards freedom. Guests will also be given a self-guided tour map. Space is limited. To register, visit www.albright.org, email jserrenti@albright.org or call (570) 795-4315.
Youth Dialogue hosted by The University of Scranton
Date: Thursday, February 25th at 3:00 pm
Location: Virtual via ZOOM
Description: The University of Scranton will coordinate a youth dialogue program to discuss “Never Caught” and the issues it raises regarding America’s first President and our country’s history of slavery and racism. Area high school students are invited to participate. If you are a school or community group interested in sending middle or high school students, email community@scranton.edu.
Scranton Reads Party & Book Discussion with the Scranton Public Library and WVIA
Date: Thursday, February 25th at 7:00 pm
Location: Virtual event via ZOOM
Description: Join us for the final book discussion for Scranton Reads! Participants who join us will be entered for a chance to win one of two prizes! WVIA will be giving away a complimentary one-year WVIA membership which includes access to PBS Passport, our online streaming service. Library Express Bookstore will be giving away a literary gift basket. Must be present to win. Winners will be announced at the end of the discussion. To register, visit www.albright.org, email jserrenti@albright.org, or call (570) 795-4315. All registered attendees will receive the Zoom invitation link.
Destination Africa! Sponsored by the Friends of the Scranton Public Library
Date: Saturday, February 27th at 2:00 pm
Location: Virtual via ZOOM
Description: Join the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Museum for a digital journey around the continent of Africa. Explore a kingdom so rich they used gold dust for money and discover the central role African civilizations have always played in world history. Sponsored by the Friends of the Scranton Public Library. Registration is required. Please RSVP online at www.albright.org or call the Scranton Public Library at (570) 795-4322. Deadline to register is February 10th.
Book Discussions:
Monday, February 8th at 10:00 am (Virtual)
North Pocono Public Library, 1315 Church Street, Moscow. Sign up via 570-842-4700.
Monday, February 8th at 6:30 pm (Virtual)
Albright Memorial Library, 500 Vine Street, Scranton. Sign up via www.albright.org or email edavis@albright.org. Registered attendees will receive the ZOOM link.
Tuesday, February 16th at 5 pm / Snow Date: Feb. 23rd
Carbondale Public Library, 5 North Main Street, Carbondale. Sign up via 570-282-4281. *The library is hoping to have their discussion in person; however, the event can be moved virtually. Please check with the library when registering.
Monday, February 22nd at 6:00 pm (Virtual)
Abington Community Library, 1200 West Grove Street, Clarks Summit. Sign up via 570-587-3440.
Wednesday, February 24th at 6:00 pm (Virtual)
Valley Community Library, 739 River Street, Peckville. Sign up via 570-489-1765. Registered attendees will receive the ZOOM link.
