Share a book: Liz Rosenberg hosts public readings on Facebook

Twice a day, the clock hands point to 11:11 — and Binghamton University English Professor Liz Rosenberg cracks open a book.

While people around the nation shelter at home to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the author and poet is offering live readings twice a day on her Facebook page.

The morning session focuses on children’s stories, although adults tune in, too. At 11:11 p.m., she reads poems for grownups, including work by Ruth Stone and Edna St. Vincent Millay.

The inspiration came by way of her son Eli, who reminded her of Mr. Rogers’ famous quote: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

“So I thought, how can I be a helper? And that’s what came to hand,” said Rosenberg, who is also a member of the Binghamton Board of Education. “I love children’s books, I write children’s books and I have children’s books. I’m also on the Binghamton City School Board and have been thinking a lot about kids and their families stuck at home.”

Join Rosenberg’s readings twice a day on her Facebook page and her Board of Education page.