Reading Buddies Program Returns, Oil Paintings at Library

The announced the return of its popular Reading Buddies Program, which starts July 17, with registration starting next Monday.  

The five-week program pairs local school children, who will be first-, second- and third-graders in the fall, with “buddies” from Fort Lee High School to help improve the younger kids’ reading sills, according to Young Adult Services Librarian Julia Strohmeyer.

That is accomplished “by reading together and taking part in a series of fun and creative activities during after-school hours at the library,” Strohmeyer said in a statement.

Registration for the Reading Buddies Program begins on Monday, July 9, and spaces are limited.

Registration for the program must be done in person at the library’s reference desk; no phone or email registrations will be accepted for the program, which runs from July 17 through August 14, according to library officials.

For more information, contact the reference desk at 201-592-3615, ext. 4002.

Also at the library this month in the Atrium Gallery is an exhibit of John Kary’s oil paintings, which remains on display throughout July.

Kary’s oil on canvas work includes portraiture, wildlife, landscapes, biblical narratives and still life.

Kary’s bio, provided by the Fort Lee Public Library, is as follows:

John Kary possessed an early interest in art but was unable to pursue this interest until retirement. He has studied art and art history at the Institute for Learning in Retirement at Bergen Community College and the Ridgewood Art Institute. He is a member of the Art Association of Rutherford, the Hackensack Art Club, and the Artists Guild of Fort Lee. Mr. Kary has given solo exhibits and participated in group exhibitions throughout the area including Fort Lee Library, the Nutley Library, the Johnson Library in Hackensack, UMDNJ, the Rutherford Library, and numerous galleries, art shows and juried shows.

The youngest of seven children in a large close family, Mr. Kary is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He served in the army, graduated Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Bachelor of Science degree, and has a private pilot’s license. He is also an amateur wine maker specializing in fruit wines and has won numerous awards at wine competitions on both state and national levels.

The gallery is open during regular library hours. Fort more information visit the Fort Lee Public Library’s website.