Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White is encouraging families in Illinois to read together this Thursday, November 20th for annual Family Reading Night. This year’s theme is “Reading Rocks!” Thousands of colorful posters and bookmarks have been distributed by the Illinois State Library’s Illinois Center for the Book to libraries, schools, literacy programs and other organizations to promote Family Reading Night with events across the state.
“This is a night when parents and children are urged to turn off televisions, computers, phones, video games and other electronic devices to spend time reading together,” White said. “Reading together creates a positive learning environment and helps children develop language skills, comprehension and a love for reading that can last a lifetime.”
This is the 23rd year that the Secretary of State’s office has sponsored Family Reading Night. White identified several Family Reading Night programs taking place across the state on Thursday:
· Oak Lawn Community High School
The school media center will host an evening book club for students, parents and staff from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. There will be discussion and activities based around the best-selling young adult novel Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. Registration for Family Reading Night must be completed online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FamilyReadingNight2014.
· Peoria Public Library
The library is hosting an all day event, during regular hours, where families are encouraged to stop in at any location and pick up a book to take home or read at the library. Book-themed crafts and snacks will also be available. The event is free and open to all ages.
· Urbana Free Library
The library is hosting a pajama party from 6:30 p.m.-7:15 p.m. for the whole family to enjoy quality reading time. There will be some books available and attendees can bring their own.
· West Chicago Public Library District
The “Rock-and-Roll Story Time” for all ages will have a punk rock them and include readings of Pigs Rock by Melanie Davis Jones, Rock-n-Roll Mole by Carolyn Crimi, Punk Farm by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, So You Want to Be a Rock Star by Audrey Vernick, and The Rockabilly Goats Gruff by Jeff Crosby. Participants will also make musical shakers to take home and use at the library to dance to the Ramones’ “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up” and “Rock Lobster” by the B-52’s. The event is from 6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
For more information about Family Reading Night, go to: http://cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/public/frn.html or contact Bonnie Matheis, Coordinator of the Illinois Center for the Book, at bmatheis@ilsos.net.