Sled Dog Presentation to Kick Off Thanksgiving Week Kids Programs at Grand Island Public Library

Grand Island, Neb. — The Grand Island Public Library will be offering a series of free programs for children and families during the week leading up to Thanksgiving, and it all starts with an Alaskan feel!

Sophia the Alaskan husky sled dog, along with her human, musher Karen Land, will visit the library at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 23 to share insights into sled dog mushing and recognize the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Diphtheria Epidemic Serum Run.

Land is a writer, public speaker and three-time participant in the 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, in addition to competing in numerous sprint and endurance races across Alaska, Canada, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Maine. Since 2000, she has traveled to nearly every state with her dog sled, mushing equipment, arctic clothing, and her team of sled dogs presenting more than a thousand programs at schools and public libraries.

Additional Thanksgiving Week activities at the library include a family board game night with snacks provided at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 24; a construction challenge featuring LEGO, straws, cups and more at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25; and an all-ages Thanksgiving-themed storytime and craft at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26.

Teens ages 12–18 are also invited to create Christmas ornaments during a special program at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26. All programs are free and open to the public. No registration or library card is required to attend. The Grand Island Public Library will be closed Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 in observance of Thanksgiving and will reopen at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 29.

For more information, please contact Youth & Family Services Librarian Laura Fentress at [email protected] or by calling (308) 385-5333, Ext. 3104.