A battle cry for bibliophiles is sounded

MILLERTON — As students anticipate the end of school and the coming of the glorious freedom of summer, some particularly ambitious ones may also be wishing they could join with friends — new and old — and battle heroically to bring glory to their hometowns.

This year, fulfillment of that dream lies within the covers of six books rising sixth to eighth grade students will read as they compete for a trophy and the glory that comes with it at a Mid-Hudson Regional Battle of the Books at the Columbia  Green Community College in Hudson.

During the Wednesday, Aug. 7, meet, teams from all over the Mid-Hudson region — some with as many as 20 members — will show their mettle taking only 10 seconds to supply titles, authors and details for hundreds of questions that will be asked during the competition.

While the quest might sound daunting, team members will be well prepared thanks to Thursday or Saturday  meetings at either the NorthEast-Millerton or Pine Plains libraries, which will provide friendship, guidance, book discussions, T-shirts and, of course, snacks.   

Millerton Youth Services Coordinator Kristin McClune noted that the program provides an alternative to sports for students who enjoy team competition. “Students can learn the more challenging aspects of working like a team,” she said.

They’ll carry those lessons over through a lifetime, she added. 

In order to emphasize the importance of commitment to the activity and to fellow team members, competitors and their families must sign an agreement promising to participate in the final competition as well as the weekly meetings. However, recognizing that sometimes other commitments such as vacations can eat into family calendars, families may miss some of the preparation as long as they pledge to be at the August meet.

Because the libraries cannot provide transportation, families will be responsible for that. McClune noted that the only other adult commitment involves following the library policy of having a parent present at an event if their child is under the age of 10.

In addition to the fun of getting to know other participants, McClune said the program is a great opportunity for students to read and delve deeply into books which as “non-classics” might not  be assigned in the course of the school year but which will hopefully have wide appeal. 

She said, “Part of the intention is  to pick books that aren’t necessary popular but that have merit.”

Because the books are purchased by the libraries for team members, as a nod to the nonprofits’ budgets, selected books must be available in paperback.  McClune explained the books must also have a good deal of substance because program organizers must prepare literally hundreds of questions for the practice sessions and competition. 

This year’s team will be the first ever for Pine Plains and the first fielded by Millerton since 2014. McClune gives major credit to Veronica Stork, the Pine Plains library director, for the opportunity. 

“This is only happening because we are doing this together,” she said. “This is the unique part. There are not many libraries that unite to do a program like this. It’s great. I wouldn’t be doing this without her. She’s been wonderful. It’s an opportunity for us —  two public libraries — to strengthen our relationship.”

For more information or to register call either library at 518-789-3340 or 518-398-1927. Details  including book descriptions are available at www.mhbattleofbooks.org.