SAUGERTIES, NY – Children are invited to spend the next three months reading and watching movies through a series of events organized in conjunction with village organizations.
Co-organizer Nina Schmidbaur discussed the program Tuesday at a village board meeting, noting that events with giveaways are being hosted by Upstate Films, the Saugerties Public Library, the Kiwanis Club and Inquiring Minds.
“We are hosting a series of movies and reading events,” she said. “Kiwanis generously donated over 75 books. We will be giving away 15 free books (for three events) and the concept is family movies around the world.
The events begin at 11 a.m. on April 2 with a screening of the animated film “Kiki’s Delivery Service”, a 1989 Japanese film by Hayao Miyazaki released in the United States via Disney distribution in 1998. This is the story of a 13-year-old witch. and her black cat who, through adventure and misadventure, helps a bakery owner, overcomes people who don’t understand her abilities, and learns that she and others can follow their dreams.
“We’re going to…educate audiences about cultural diversity and there will be other fun events associated with the film,” Schmidbaur said.
Other screenings at the Orpheum, 156 Main Street, include ‘Whale Rider’ at 11 a.m. on April 16. There will be 15 books provided to first comers; “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” at 11 a.m. April 30; “Kirkou and the Witch” at 11 a.m. on May 14; “Secret of Kells” at 11 a.m. May 28; and “Babe” at 11 a.m. on June 11.
Events at the Saugerties Public Library, 91 Washington Ave., include a lively evening at 6:30 p.m. on April 4; “Coco” at 10:30 a.m. on April 30 with a Coco party at 4 p.m. on May 4 for children aged 6 to 10; and “Queen of Katwe,” for ages 7 to 12, at 10:30 a.m. on May 14, followed by a chess tournament at 6:30 p.m. on May 18.
