The Altoona Area Public Library has reopened and the current hours are: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8:30am to 8pm; Wednesday and Friday, 8:30am to 5pm; Saturday 9am to 4pm.
The library will also maintain the auxiliary site at the Transportation Center, 1231 11th Avenue, Altoona, Pa 16601: Tuesday 1pm-5pm, Wednesday 8:30am to 5pm and Thursday 8:30am to 12:30pm.
"A touching story about Japanese American children who corresponded with their beloved librarian while they were imprisoned in World War II internment camps. When Executive Order 9066 is enacted after the attack at Pearl Harbor, children's librarian Clara Breed's young Japanese American patrons are to be sent to prison camp. Before they are moved, Breed asks the children to write her letters and gives them books to take with them. Through the three years of their internment, the children correspond with Miss Breed, sharing their stories, providing feedback on books, and creating a record of their experiences. Using excerpts from children's letters held at the Japanese American National Museum, author Cynthia Grady presents a difficult subject with honesty and hope.