2024 Lineup – Freedom to Read

1. Discussions

1:00
Welcome Note

1:15 – 1:55
Panel Discussion WHY are we here? Andrea Balis, Kelly Clancy, Andrea Schaefer, moderated by Marissa Bañez

2:05 – 2:45
Panel Discussion Book bans, challenges, and how they affect us Dana Alison Levy, Elizabeth Levy, Daniel J O’Brien, Rebecca Stead, moderated by Jennifer Baker

3:00 – 3:30
Documentary Screening : Suppressed and Sabotaged: The Right to Vote feature from Brave New Films

3:30 – 3:45
Call to Action : Standing up for Voter’s Rights Diane Burrows, League of Women Voters

2. Author Storytelling

1:00
Ralphie and the Pie, Ages 3-10
MARION BROOKS, Author

1:20
Juneteenth Is, Ages 5-8
DANIEL J O’BRIEN, Illustrator

1:50
Embrace Your Features, Ages 6-10
CHRISTINA TESTUT, Author

2:20
Billy Be Kind: My BIG Feelings, Ages 4-8
KIM ADAMS, Author

2:45
Hope and Fortune, Ages 4-10
MARISSA BAÑEZ, Author

3:05
Storytelling, All Ages
DRAG STORY HOUR NY

3:50
Closing Sing-a-Long
Declaration of Friendship
GARDEN PLAYERS

3. Creative Workshops

1:30 – 2:10
Oral History Workshop, All ages
Lois DeLong

2:15 – 2:55
Writing Workshop Creating Stories To Help Us Grow, Ages 10+
Betina Hershey, Garden Players

3:00 – 3:40
Storytelling Improv Workshop, Ages 15+
Kate DeFeo, Fohi Improv

4. Drag Story Hour NYC

3:05 – 3:45
Drag Story Hour NYC produces storytelling and creative arts programs, presented by local drag artists, in libraries, schools, and other community spaces. Through fun and fabulous educational experiences, our programs celebrate gender diversity and all forms of difference to build empathy and give kids the confidence to express themselves however they feel comfortable.

5. Call to Action

Sign our Declaration of Friendship
Kids and adults, come sign a promise that you’ll be a friend to everyone in the world! Kids will get a certificate and we’ll join Garden Players for a song to share our declaration of friendship!

Dear Banned Book Author
Send a postcard to an author

League of Women Voters & New Voter Registration

Action for Equity
Meet the parent-led equity teams at your local elementary schools

Pop Up Shops
Kew & Willow Books
Something for Sophie