The St. Joseph Public Library system has received $19,056 in funding it plans to use toward community events as part of its children’s early literacy outreach budget.

According to a news release, the funding comes from Racing to Read grant initiative established by the Missouri Public Library, made possible by the federal Library Services and Technology Act. Now through May 2018, the St. Joseph Public Library will have additional funding to host a variety of events where children and caregivers will participate in early literacy activities, storytimes, crafts, receive a free children’s book—and in some cases, enjoy a free meal.

In an effort to strengthen community outreach resources within the community, St. Joseph Public Library said it has partnered with local agencies such as St. Joseph Public School District’s Parents as Teachers and United Way’s Success By 6 to host multiple grant-sponsored events aimed to improve St. Joseph’s kindergarten readiness. Racing to Read funding will provide craft supplies, activities, and one free book for every child at these upcoming interactive and free family-friendly events:

• Tiny Tot Town (Civic Arena on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Family Fun Time: Block Bash (The Keatley Center on Saturday, November 11, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
• First Saturday’s Holidays at the Square (Felix Street Square, Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.).

Additionally, the Racing to Read funding will provide new children’s books for circulation for each of the four St. Joseph Public Library branches, as well as purchase early literacy materials for use at local reading readiness events both within and outside of the public library.