The Tale of 2 Events, “Sing Dance and Travel the World with Lulu Delacre”

      It was the worst of times; it was the best of times.  I admit it.  It was my fault.  Who would schedule an author visit the day before Easter?  Me.  When I contacted author/illustrator Lulu Delacre and she mentioned that she had a Saturday free, I jumped at the opportunity to host her in our library as part of our El Dia grant.  Realizing my pre-Easter mistake, we spared no opportunity to promote the event.  

 
 We had advertisements and the FREE book provided by the grant displayed at the circulation desk (including one that literally hit the patrons in the head when checking out), we also used radio, newsletters, FACEBOOK, websites (ours and Lulu’s), personal contacts (ours and Lulu’s again), etc. Still when the program started, it was ill attended.  Lulu, undaunted presented an engaging session filled with fun, dance, travel and music.  She signed books and the young participants had their pictures taken with their dream worldwide locations via green screen technology.

     Then it happened, we looked out the window and there they were-- kids in the plaza across the street greeting the Easter Bunny and a few other costumed critters. Lulu launched a full-on musical parade with staff and patrons and serenaded the Bunny and his young friends with Latin instruments.       She introduced herself, her FREE books and a surprise encore presentation.  Leading the group back to the library, she sang, danced and traveled the world again for a packed audience.  

   
She did not leave until every child received a signed book and posed with her in front of the green screen.  Her favorite background was her native Puerto Rico. The hour program stretched on to four hours. An ill-fated program was now a success. 

   
We even issued some cards to new members of our community who were coaxed into the library with the promise of diversity and fun.

The moral of the story, check the calendar.  Second moral, invite Lulu she will deliver the best program possible, sometimes twice, including rounding up her own audience.  Did I mention that she wanted the El Dia pin to wear proudly throughout the month?  Third moral, DO NOT compete with the Easter Bunny!

   
Note to our patrons, if you did not know that this program was occurring at the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public Library, please let a staff member know.  We are always interested in finding new and creative ways to inform our public.