February 21, 2008

Library’s read-aloud initiative blends family fun with reading

Join families throughout five Southwest Washington counties by participating in the Timberland Regional Library Family Read-Aloud program and making reading aloud with your family a part of every day—family fun time that also promotes early literacy and reading success.

From March 2 through April 12, the 27 Timberland library branches in Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, Lewis, and Pacific counties will provide a variety of engaging reading activities and reading-related presentations. One of the most entertaining aspects of the program involves families reading aloud together in every room in their homes.

Family Read-Aloud focuses mainly on younger children, infants to children in grade three. The program opens and closes with nationwide reading celebrations. March 2 is Dr. Seuss's Birthday/Read Across America Day and April 12 is Beverly Cleary's Birthday/D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) Day. Families and childcare providers can begin signing up on March 1 at any Timberland library and receive a free packet of program materials.

Reading aloud is key

Based on early learning research, the program’s main purposes are to promote the emotional, social and educational value of reading aloud together, and to bring about the experience of joy in reading together as a family. Studies such as those of the U.S. Commission on Reading identify reading aloud to young children as the single most important activity for building success in reading.

“Children learn best when they’re having fun and interacting with their parents and other caring adults,” said Ellen Duffy, TRL’s Youth Services Coordinator. “Reading together in unusual areas in the home is a huge part of the fun. Picture a family reading Carole Schaeffer’s “The Biggest Soap,” about laundry day on a Pacific Island, in their laundry room while their own clothes are drying. Fun!”

How to make your house a read-aloud house

Families and childcare groups can pick up a free Family Read-Aloud activity kit at any of the 27 Timberland libraries beginning March 1. Kits include:

• A large brochure with a drawing of a Read-Aloud House to color with program information in English and Spanish and a reading log.
• Stickers with Dr. Seuss characters to place in the rooms of the Read-Aloud House.
• A brand new list of books especially good for reading aloud.
• A colorful Read-Aloud House magnet.
• A prize drawing entry form.

Online read-aloud materials and tips

Busy families and childcare providers who can’t make it into the library right away can still get started at the beginning of the program. Online at www.trlib.org they will find the following:

• A description of the program.
• The line drawing of the Read-Aloud House to print out.
• The reading log to print out.
• The new Read-Aloud Booklist.
• Other booklists and information about reading to children from a very young age.
• Governor Gregoire’s proclamation in support of TRL’s Family Read-Aloud program.
• A “60-second survey” for providing the library feedback on the program.

When participants do arrive at their Timberland libraries, they can enter the prize drawings, check out children's books and talk with library staff who can offer tips on sharing books with children.

Prizes

“Librarians know that everyone can win this program’s biggest prizes—the lifelong educational benefits and emotional bonding that result from having a great time reading together,” said Duffy, “But there are other kinds of prizes as well. So, read, laugh and have a wonderful, wacky time reading in all of the rooms of your home, and enter the prize drawing at your local Timberland library.” The ten districtwide prizes for families (or childcares) will be drawn on April 17. Prizes include the following:

• For five families: A get-together and family photo shoot with Mike Gregoire, spouse of Governor Christine Gregoire and read-aloud master. One family in each of the five counties served by the Timberland Regional Library system will be drawn. Posters with the banner, READ, will be created from the photos, then given to winning families and posted in their home libraries.
• For five more families: A suitcase packed with books provided by Target Stores and Scholastic Books will be awarded to one family in each of the five counties.
• Books! Hundreds of books provided by local reading foundations, local Friends of the Library groups, First Book and Barnes & Noble Booksellers will be given away to children at the library branches.
• More: Many branches are awarding other local prizes at various times during the program.

Family Read-Aloud programs at Timberland libraries

In addition to ongoing family-inclusive story times, all Timberland libraries as well as two other venues will present special Read-Aloud programs: March 1 through April 12, people can sign giant birthday cards in honor of Beverly Cleary’s 92nd birthday. When the program ends, the cards will be sent to the writer who gave us Ramona, Henry Huggins, Beezus, and Ralph S. Mouse.

Grays Harbor County  -  Lewis County  -  Mason County  -  Pacific County  -  Thurston County

Grays Harbor County Programs

Aberdeen Timberland Library, (360) 533-2360

• March 1, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss. Meet the Cat in the Hat, have some cake and join in games, read-aloud activities, crafts, theater and door prizes. A free book will be given away to each child.
• April 12, 1-2 p.m., Junior PageTurners Book Group. Meet for a book chat, games, snacks and a craft. Register at the library a week before the program and pick up a copy of "Ramona Quimby, Age 8," by Beverly Cleary. Refreshments provided.

Amanda Park Timberland Library, (360) 288-2725

• March 6, 4-5:30 p.m., Seuss-a-Thon - Celebrate Seuss! Celebrate the good Dr.'s birthday with award-winning storyteller, Christopher Leebrick. Have some cake, make a Cat-in-the-Hat hat and enter drawings for Dr. Seuss books.

Elma Timberland Library, (360) 482-3737

• March 2- April 12, Read Aloud: "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane." Read Kate DiCamillo's award-winning book, "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane," with your children and join in related activities including weekly mystery boxes, a guessing jar, a display and more.

Hoquiam Timberland Library, (360) 532-1710

• March 3-8, Kickoff Week. People who sign up that week can enter for a chance to win a Dr. Seuss lunch box filled with books and small gifts. The winner will be drawn the week of March 9.
• April 12, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Beverly Cleary Birthday Party and Read-Aloud. Celebrate by dressing as your favorite Beverly Cleary book character. Hear "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" read aloud, sing "Happy Birthday," sign a card, and talk about books you’ve read. And, of course, there will be cake!

McCleary Timberland Library, (360) 495-3368

• March 1, 1-3 p.m., Dr. Seuss Birthday Party. Hear stories read by community members, have some cake and enter for a chance to win a lunch pail full of books.

Montesano Timberland Library, (360) 249-4211

• March 1, 11 a.m.-noon, Reading Magic with Jeff Evans. Magician Jeff Evans pays special tribute to authors Beverly Cleary and Dr. Seuss with favorite book characters and the Cat in the Hat’s juggling act in rhyme.
• March 1, noon-4 p.m., Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! Celebrate Dr. Seuss with birthday cake, activity sheets, simple crafts and books to check out.

Oakville Timberland Library, (360) 273-5305

• March 6, 6-7:30 p.m., Dr. Seuss Birthday Party. Hear stories read by celebrity readers, have some cake and join in songs and games.

Westport Timberland Library, (360) 268-0521

• March 1, 3-4 p.m., Reading Magic with Jeff Evans. Magician Jeff Evans pays special tribute to authors Beverly Cleary and Dr. Seuss with favorite book characters and the Cat in the Hat’s juggling act in rhyme.
• April 12, 1-2:30 p.m. D.E.A.R. – Drop Everything and Read, Celebrate Beverly Cleary's birthday. Drop everything and read, and eat some cake, too. Read your favorite short story, poem, song lyrics, monologue, or picture book aloud to other. Sign up for a turn or just listen to other people's favorites.

Lewis County Programs

Centralia Timberland Library, (360) 736-0183

• March 1-15, Dr. Seuss Guessing Jar. One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish--how many are in the jar? The guess closest to the actual number wins a small prize.
• April 5, 2-3 p.m., Family PageTurners Book Discussion. Before April 5, children and their grownups can pick up a copy of Beverly Cleary’s "Ramona Quimby, Age 8," read it, then meet back at the library for snacks and a fun discussion. Registration is required.

Chehalis Timberland Library, (360) 748-3301

• March 4, 4-5 p.m., Seuss-a-Thon: Celebrate Seuss! Drop by for a celebration of Dr. Seuss with activity sheets, stories and a simple craft.
• March 8, 1:30-2:15 p.m., Reading Magic with Magician Jeff Evans. Magician Jeff Evans pays special tribute to authors Beverly Cleary and Dr. Seuss with favorite book characters and the Cat in the Hat’s juggling act in rhyme.
• April 12, 10-11 a.m., Family PageTurners Book Discussion. Before April 12, children and their grownups can pick up a copy of Beverly Cleary’s "Ramona Quimby, Age 8," read it, then meet back at the library for snacks and a fun discussion. Registration is required.

Mountain View Timberland Library (Randle), (360) 497-2665

• March 2-April 12. Drop by the library to sign up for Family Read-Aloud, find out about family story time programs and sign a giant card for Beverly Cleary’s 92nd birthday.

Packwood Timberland Library, (360) 494-5111

• March 2-April 12. Drop by the library to sign up for Family Read-Aloud, find out about family story time programs and sign a giant card for Beverly Cleary’s 92nd birthday.

Salkum Timberland Library, (360) 985-2148

• March 8, 11 a.m.-noon, Celebrate Seuss! Join award-winning storyteller, Christopher Leebrick, for Seuss stories and other tales. A drawing for a gift certificate from Book-n-Brush will be held.

Winlock Timberland Library, (360) 785-3461

• February 27, 3-5 p.m., Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! Drop by for a celebration of Dr. Seuss with activity sheets, birthday cake, simple crafts and a prize drawing. Books will be available to check out.
• March 8, 11 a.m.-noon, Reading Magic with Jeff Evans. Magician Jeff Evans pays special tribute to authors Beverly Cleary and Dr. Seuss with favorite book characters and the Cat in the Hat’s juggling act in rhyme.

Mason County Programs

Hoodsport Timberland Library, (360) 877-9339

• March 6, 7-8 p.m., Reading Magic with Magician Jeff Evans. Magician Jeff Evans pays special tribute to authors Beverly Cleary and Dr. Seuss with favorite book characters and the Cat in the Hat’s juggling act in rhyme.

North Mason Timberland Library, (360) 275-3232

• March 3-7, Seuss-a-thon! Drop by to enjoy simple crafts and activity sheets and enter a daily drawing for a Dr. Seuss book.
• March 6, 4:30-5:15 p.m., Reading Magic with Jeff Evans. Magician Jeff Evans pays special tribute to authors Beverly Cleary and Dr. Seuss with favorite book characters and the Cat in the Hat’s juggling act in rhyme.

Shelton Timberland Library, (360) 426-1362

• March 4, 3:30-5 p.m., Dr. Seuss Party and Movie. Celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday with cake, a game and one of Dr. Seuss's wacky movies.
• April 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Read Around the Library! Reading stations and activities throughout the library will offer family fun that promotes reading enjoyment.
• April 12, 1:30-2:30 p.m. and 3-4 p.m., D.E.A.R. Day Story Time with Clifford. Free books for the children. Pick up free tickets in advance at the library.

Pacific County Programs

Ilwaco Timberland Library, (360) 642-3908

• April 1-11, Beverly Cleary Guessing Jar. Guess how many dog bones Ribsy has hidden in the guessing jar for a chance to win a prize.
• April 11, Happy Birthday, Beverly Cleary! Stop by the library for cookies and punch and sign a giant birthday card.

Naselle Timberland Library, (360) 484-3877

• March 4-8, Family Read-Aloud Kick-Off Week! Enter a guessing jar contest, make a fun craft to take home and solve a read-aloud mystery.
• March 4-29, Dr. Seuss Guessing Jar. One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish - how many are in the jar? One guess per day. The closest one wins.
• April 12, 1-1:45 p.m., D.E.A.R. Beverly Cleary Birthday Party. Dress up as your favorite book character and join in a game. Then, drop everything and read and have some cake.

Ocean Park Timberland Library, (360) 665-4184

• March 2-31, Dr. Seuss Guessing Jar. One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish - how many are in the jar? One guess per day. The closest one wins.
• March 11, 6:30-7 p.m., Dr. Seuss Family Night @ the Library. Celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday by finding out what fun you can have when you open a book. Refreshments provided.
• April 15, 6:30-7 p.m., D.E.A.R. Beverly Cleary Family Night. Drop everything and read together and have some cake, too.

Raymond Timberland Library, (360) 942-2408

• March 1, 1-2 p.m., Reading Magic with Jeff Evans. Magician Jeff Evans pays special tribute to authors Beverly Cleary and Dr. Seuss with favorite book characters and the Cat in the Hat’s juggling act in rhyme.
• March 12-26, Dr. Seuss Celebration. One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish – guess how many are in the jar. Play games such as Dr. Seuss or Beverly Cleary Trivia or Mystery Boxes, and make a Cat-in-the-Hat hat.
• April 9, 3:30-4:30 p.m., D.E.A.R. Book Swap and Birthday Party. Bring a book you've finished and trade it for one that's new-to-you. Then sign a giant birthday card for Beverly Cleary and have some cake.

South Bend Timberland Library, (360) 875-5532

• March 4, 6:45-7:45 p.m., Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss Party. Enjoy stories and games to celebrate Dr. Seuss's Birthday and kick off the library's Family Read-Aloud program.
• April 8, 6:45-7:30 p.m., Happy Birthday, Beverly Cleary Party. Enjoy stories and games to celebrate Beverly Cleary's birthday and D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) Day.

Thurston County Programs

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1530 Black Lake Blvd, SW, Olympia

• March 1, 11 a.m., Family Story Time and Family Read-Aloud Sign-up. Storyteller Mari Nowitz will present a program of stories, rhymes, songs and audience participation games for families, about families and popular book character Maisy will be on hand to visit with participants. Families can also sign up for the Timberland libraries’ Read-Aloud program.

Radio Read-Aloud on KGY Radio, AM 1240

• Sunday evenings, March 2-April 6, following the 8 p.m. news and Monday mornings, March 3-April 7 at 6:45 a.m. Tune into Radio Read-Aloud with storyteller Rebecca Hom, sharing stories from many cultures for families. Digital audio files of the Radio Read-Aloud programs will also be on TRL’s Web site at www.trlib.org.

Lacey Timberland Library, (360) 491-3860

• March 7, 11 a.m.-noon, Celebrate Seuss! Join award-winning storyteller, Christopher Leebrick, for Seuss stories and other tales.
• March 27, 2-3 p.m., Reading Magic with Jeff Evans. Magician Jeff Evans pays special tribute to authors Beverly Cleary and Dr. Seuss with favorite book characters and the Cat in the Hat’s juggling act in rhyme.
• April 12, 2-4 p.m., Happy Birthday, Beverly Cleary. Read a Ramona or Henry book aloud together, enjoy some easy activities, sign a giant birthday card and have some cake.

Olympia Timberland Library, (360) 352-0595

• March 7, 2-3 p.m., Celebrate Seuss! Join award-winning storyteller, Christopher Leebrick, for Seuss stories and other tales. Registration is required.
• March 22, 2-4 p.m., PAWS to Read: A "Pawsitive" Reading Experience. Cuddle up with a good book and read to a canine friend. Families of children in grade two and up are invited to meet registered Delta Society Pet Partner teams. Pairing Reading Education Assistance Dogs with kids and books spells success and fun! Advance registration is required. Drop by or call the youth services desk at (360) 352-0595 beginning March 8.
• March 27, 4-5 p.m. Book Fun! Book Sharing for First, Second and Third Graders. Join in a special book club for adults and children who want to read "Ramona Quimby, Age 8." Call (360) 352-0595 to register and pick up the book at the library's youth services desk. Read it by yourself or read it together, then meet back at the library on March 27 for activities and a fun discussion.

Tenino Timberland Library, (360) 264-2369

• March 5, 3-4 p.m., The Cat Came Back: Dr. Seuss Birthday Party. Celebrate the life of a legend of reading! Make your own cat hat, decorate cookies and hear some of Dr. Seuss's best-loved stories.
• March 27, 3-4 p.m., Junior PageTurners Book Group for Kids. Meet for a book chat, games, snacks and a craft. Register at the library a week before the program and pick up the featured book, "Ramona Quimby, Age 8," by Beverly Cleary. Cosponsored by the Friends of the Tenino Timberland Library.
• April 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., D.E.A.R. Family Read-Aloud @ the Library. Read your favorite short story, poem, song lyrics, monologue, or picture book out loud and hear others’ favorite stories. Refreshments provided.

Tumwater Timberland Library, (360) 943-7790

• March 3-8, Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! Drop by for a celebration of Dr. Seuss with activity sheets, simple crafts, and books to check out. Also, take a guess at the guessing jar for a chance to win a prize.
• April 10, 1-2 p.m., Happy Birthday Book Party. Dress up as your favorite book character, enjoy stories and activities, and have some cake. Registration is required.

Yelm Timberland Library, (360) 458-3374

• March 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Green Eggs & Ham Brunch @ the Library! Celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday with green eggs and ham catered by Casa Mia, and yes, the eggs will be green! The Cat in the Hat will be there to read Dr. Seuss favorites. Registration is required.
• March 6, (6 de marzo), 5-6 p.m. ¡Cuentos para todos! Family Story Time. ¡Vengan a la biblioteca para una hora de cuentos bilingüe para toda la familia! En la sala de la biblioteca de Yelm. Habrà bocadillos gratuitos. Join in a bilingual story time for the whole family! Refreshments provided.

Revised 02/26/08