By Marisa Dawson
Pajama Storytime at the Bennington Public Library welcomed a special guest reader last week: local teen author and Bennington Middle School eighth-grader Addysen Oreskovich.
Families arrived in pajamas and slippers for the cozy evening event as Addysen read her children’s book, “Bella’s Midwest Adventure,” to an excited group of young listeners. Library Director Lisa Flaxbeard previously shared that “Addysen has been a guest reader at BPL storytimes for several years now… Library events with Addysen have been a fun collaboration that our community continues to enjoy.” Addysen has also served as a “volunteen” during the library’s summer reading program, making her a familiar face to many.
Addysen’s storytime appearance is a natural extension of her Bellarina Reading Program, which she says has grown tremendously over the past year. “Within the past year, the Bellarina Reading Program has really taken off,” she said. “I was able to write my first book and publish it on Amazon. It is called “Bella’s Midwest Adventure.” It captures my favorite subject of geography and my dog Bella. I have been able to read it at the Bennington library!” Bella even made a special appearance during storytime. Her passion for literacy and her enthusiasm for working with young readers were easy to see as she engaged children throughout the morning.
The impact of her efforts is already evident in the community. “One thing that I have noticed is that many of the little kids have really enjoyed coming to all events. It really means the world to me,” Addysen said. “I love all the support that our community gives to the younger generation. I hope to be encouraging all the kids to shoot for the stars and capture their dreams and goals. Nothing is too big!” Her mom, Kristina Oreskovich, noted that she has watched local kids feel inspired by Addysen’s example. “One child I noticed around our community has started a little business of painting dogs’ nails which I know was inspired by Addysen,” she said.
Addysen continues to push her mission for childhood literacy forward, motivated by strong role models and new opportunities. “Lately I have been really inspired by our current Miss USA who is Audrey Eckert from Lincoln, Nebraska,” she said. “She’s been my mentor for years now. Watching her win the crown a month ago has lit a fire in me to really keep striving to hit my goals with my own personal initiatives.” She is also using her new title, Miss Slovakia International Junior Teen, to broaden her impact beyond Bennington: “I am using my new title as a way to learn more about my heritage and to get books into children’s hands in the school systems in Slovakia.” Her mom shared one simple way the community can help further her mission: by sponsoring copies of “Bella’s Midwest Adventure” for local libraries, classrooms, or pediatric offices.
*Photos courtesy of Kristina Oreskovich
