Every year, the Pelham Public Library selects a novel for the community to read and appreciate in an event known as Pelham Reads. This year, L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was chosen. From November 4 to 10, the Pelham community ran Oz-inspired events in an effort to strengthen children’s reading abilities and encourage young students to read more frequently.

According to Co-Chairpersons of Pelham Reads Liz Wagner and Lisa Kiernan, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was recommended by Ms. Lauren Rosenberg, the Library Media Specialist at Pelham Middle School, and the novel was officially chosen as a wide range of ages could relate to its content.

“We hope a shared read will give Pelhamites something in common to think about and discuss — a way to connect and learn from one another,” Ms. Wagner said.

Throughout PMHS, administrators hung posters depicting different descriptions of characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Additionally, PMHS created an Oz-inspired creative writing competition for all students to participate in. Outside of school, The Pelham Arts Center, the Pelham Picture House, the Green on Post Road, Esplanade and the Pelham Public Library hosted Oz-themed events and festivities of all kinds.

Pelham Reads kicked off November 4 with a series of activities including a Yellow Brick Road Scavenger Hunt, Arts and Crafts, a child’s performance of certain passages from the book, and an exploration of “wizardry.” Additionally, Zoë Slutzky, an adjunct professor of literature at Hunter College, discussed lesser-known themes in the novel as well as how Baum’s life played a role in his writing.

On November 5, the Picture House hosted an Oz movie marathon first hosting a showing of Stars of Oz, followed by the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, and then the modern adaptation, The Wiz. On the final day there were several events ranging from education on twisters, like the famous one that propels Dorothy to Oz and an Oz and Art workshop at The Pelham Art Center.

Pelham Reads reflects the community’s enthusiasm towards encouraging students of all ages to read. Pelham Reads helps younger generations grasp a love of reading by bonding with their peers and engaging in entertaining activities.