Two languages will come together to delight the children of Peekskill during Bilingual Storytime, taking place on Wednesday, April 16, in the Children’s Room at The Field Library, located on Nelson Avenue. Each week, stories in English and Spanish are shared in this space, where children of all ages gather to celebrate their love for reading.
Starting at 11 a.m., books come to life to tell tales of diversity, values, education, and family. Right in the heart of the city, this literary program has been connecting with the community for more than five years. It acts as a cultural bridge for Peekskill residents who speak English, Spanish, or both.
The readings offer something for every taste—from timeless classics like The Very Hungry Caterpillar to contemporary gems by Latino authors, such as Niño Wrestles the World by Yuyi Morales or Guacamole: un poema para cocinar / Guacamole: a Cooking Poem by Jorge Argueta.
This literary experience, which gained renewed relevance after the pandemic, extends the magic of storytelling beyond the words themselves. It’s also about the adventure the library crafts for its visitors—an experience full of songs, rhymes, and playful language games during each Storytime session.
At times, young readers are treated to visits from guest authors, who read excerpts from their own work to create unforgettable moments and a direct connection with the children.
According to a 2022 study by the National Literacy Trust, children exposed to bilingual narratives develop greater cognitive flexibility. That is precisely what Field Library’s program accomplishes—not only enriching children’s vocabulary, but also strengthening their cultural identity.
Later that afternoon, the fun continues at Field Library. Starting at 3:30 p.m., a creative station will be set up in the children’s room, where visitors can create their own artwork using all kinds of materials.
