The library at Waynewood Elementary School is busy this month as they hold activities for “Love a Book Month,” a program initiated by Waynewood during the month of February. To prepare students for an Author’s Night to be held at the end of the month, guest writers and illustrators were invited to spend time with the children to talk about the process of creating a book and getting it published.
On Feb. 5, Christopher Bing came to Waynewood to sign copies of the two children’s books which he has illustrated — Ernest Thayer’s poem, “Casey at the Bat” and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.”
Bing is from Lexington, Massachusetts and a friend of Waynewood Librarian Anne Muchoney who recently moved here from that area. He is also a editorial and political illustrator whose works are often seen in major publications, including The Washington Post.
He signed 80 books at Waynewood and also visited three other elementary schools and A Likely Story during his visit.
Later that week, Betty Shepard, former Waynewood librarian, author and teacher, came in and talked about the process of putting a book together. She is in the process of publishing “Virginia A-Z” with Cheryl Bernard Shaw.
The following week, a presentation and dedication of “The Brenda Shackelford Memorial Collection” was held at the library. Spearheaded by Betty Shephard, the dedication presented over 80 books that had been donated by friends of Brenda Logan Shackelford, a former Waynewood teacher who died in October, 2000.
The plaque presented by Shephard referred to Shackelford as a “Teacher, Poet, Artist, Mentor, Friend.” Her husband, Harry and daughter, Tiffany, were on hand for the dedication, as were over a hundred friends, colleagues, teachers and former students.
The books are currently on display at the library and will become part of the library’s collection. Each book has a special bookplate designating the name of the person who donated the book.
On February 28, Waynewood will hold an Author’s Night, where works from the entire school will be on display. The next day they will celebrate “Read Across America,” which is held on March 1 — Dr. Seuss’ birthday.
<bci>For more information about any of the above programs call 703-704-7112.