Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this July! Each week, we’ll read aloud from a book centered on a historical theme or story, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. On July 18, we’ll read “Freedom Summer” by Deborah Wiles and illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue.

Joe and John Henry are a lot alike. They both like shooting marbles, they both want to be firemen, and they both love to swim. But there’s one important way they’re different: Joe is white and John Henry is black, and in the South in 1964, that means John Henry isn’t allowed to do everything his best friend is. Then a law is passed that forbids segregation and opens the town pool to everyone. Joe and John Henry are so excited they race each other there…only to discover that it takes more than a new law to change people’s hearts. (Simon & Schuster)

Storytime is free, and registration is required to ensure we have craft supplies for everyone. Storytime is designed for young readers, ages 2-6, but older and younger siblings or friends are welcome to attend. Register for all Storytime programs or individual programs online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633.

Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. All attendees should abide by LancasterHistory’s Heath & Safety Protocols for Visitors. We kindly ask that at least one (1) adult 18 years or older attend for every household.