(St. Joseph, Mo.) Hundreds of families in St. Joseph will receive free books this year, thanks to a grant to enrich early literacy programs at local libraries. The St. Joseph Public Library is a recipient of $14,999 in Racing to Read funds, a grant established by the Missouri State Library, made possible by the federal Library Services and Technology Act.
Throughout 2015, the St. Joseph Public Library will host family-focused early literacy events where children and caregivers will participate in early literacy activities, story times, crafts, receive a free book—and in some cases, enjoy a free meal.
Racing to Read grants were designed by Secretary of State Jason Kander’s office, to expand and strengthen the quality and availability of programs that expose kids from birth to age six to critical pre-reading skills. Racing to Read teaches parents and caregivers how to read with young children using five interactive themes, and was based on a highly successful program in Springfield.
The St. Joseph Public Library will partner with local agencies, 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. All families who attend Racing to Read events will receive a free children’s book to add to their home library. The Racing to Read funding will also allow the St. Joseph Public Library to purchase additional children’s books to checkout, and will aid in the purchase of early literacy materials for use at library outreach events.
The first Racing to Read event, Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Brunch Bonanza! will be held at the Keatley Center (1202 S. 28th Street) on Saturday, February 28th at 10:00AM. Families and caregivers of children age 6 and under can attend this two-hour event, where they will enjoy a free Seuss-themed brunch, participate in a variety of early literacy activities, and receive a free children’s book. For more information on this and other Racing to Read events, contact Jess Gould by calling the East Hills Library 236-2136.