Kristin Sinkler and Eva Gabrielsen, both of Norway, look through books on Africa in the Children’s Room of the Norway Memorial Library. The library will offer two programs on Africa during February school vacation week.

Vacation programs will focus on Africa

NORWAY – In connection with the Oxford Hills Reads: One Book One Community 2008 theme, “Making a Difference,” the Oxford Hills libraries will partner with the African Library Project and collect books for Mabule Primary School in Mabule, Botswana.

During February school vacation week, the Children’s Department of the Norway Memorial Library will prepare for the book collection project and celebrate Black History Month with two programs exploring African culture.

Children in grades one to six are invited to visit the library from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, to listen to folktales from Botswana and other African countries, make African crafts and decorate boxes to be used to collect books for Mabule.

From 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, activities will focus on African music and stories. Children will listen to music, make musical instruments and learn African rhythms with special guests Bernie Vigna and his sons, Peter and Paul, who were born in Sierra Leone.

On both days, they will work on a letter to the children of Mabule Primary School, telling them about life in the Oxford Hills and asking questions about them and their school.

Space is limited for the two programs, so parents must preregister by visiting the Children’s Department or calling 743-5308.

For more information on the book collection project, visit www.oxfordhillsreads.blogspot.com or www.africanlibraryproject.com.