I wanted to give a shout-out to the Black Diamond Museum and the Black Diamond Library! Last weekend, the organization I work for, SoCoCulture.org, partnered with them to produce our final Bookmarks & Landmarks Jr. program of the season.
In this South King County-based program, we paired interesting local historical sites with local children’s librarians, who picked a book that deals with some of the same themes that the historical site showcases. In this case, Black Diamond librarian Gretchen Nelson suggested “The Ghost’s Grave” by Peg Kehret. Youngsters checked out the book ahead of time and read it with their families, and last Saturday we all gathered at the Black Diamond Museum to explore the exhibits and participate in a book talk. Then we formed a car caravan to go explore the historic Franklin cemetery and hike up to the old Franklin town site.
Even though it was raining, we had a full turn-out, and everyone had a fun time. Kids got a dose of local history, all wrapped up in a grand adventure. Thanks to the fantastic volunteers at the Black Diamond Museum and to the Black Diamond Library and KCLS for helping put together such a wonderful program.
But why should kids have all the fun? Now our Bookmarks & Landmarks Program for adults is about to kick off! The first program takes place at the Maple Valley Historical Society’s Gibbon Store Museum on Saturday, May 19, at 1 PM. Read Betty MacDonald’s book “The Egg and I” ahead of time (the library has lots of copies), and then come to share your thoughts on the story, hear some tales about Maple Valley’s early days, and explore this marvelously restored general store. Find more information on our online calendar at SoCoCulture.org/calendar/ or pick up a Bookmarks & Landmarks brochure at your local library!
Hope to see you there!
Barbara McMichael
