Library feeds bodies, minds at monthly Book and Bite

The Platte County Library’s Book and a Bite program offered a night at the theater Feb. 1.
Continuing its effort to get books in the hands of youth, the library served a hot meal for children and their families at the high school lunch serving area and encouraged youth to pick out a free book. Afterward, the High School Thespian Troupe performed an evening of Aesop’s Fables in the high school auditorium.

Usually the Book and a Bite program is geared toward younger children, but not this time. The higher grade schools received flyers to send home with the older students, and the selection of free books included chapter books with a higher reading and maturity level for more advanced readers.
“We have been bringing in magicians and other people, but we really want to start having more community inspired events,” said Julie Henion, library director. “Like next month will be a STEAM Extravaganza at the Wheatland Middle School on March 6.”
The theater production featured six different skits based on Aesop’s Fables, acted and directed by Wheatland High School students. Each was comedic and some used audience participation to keep the youth engaged in what was happening onstage. The costumes, set and props were minimalistic, but were just enough to give a representation of character and space. The troupe also performed them for the Libbey and West Elementary students the next afternoon.
Book and a Bite events are held once a month. Dates and details can be found in the library newsletter, which can be picked up at the library counter each month. Events are also posted on Facebook on the Platte County Trading Post page.