That’s a wrap!

Mary Pom ClaiborneOur Town Youth

When the last storybook character gets a hug and a selfie, and the authors take off for the airport, we gather together and sigh a big collective sigh – full of good cheer, exhaustion and more than a little pride.

We just pulled off the 17th annual Children’s Festival of Reading, and it was magical. The clouds grimaced and groaned, but the rain stayed away until the very last hour. It always does. In 17 years, we’ve had some soggy festivals and some humid ones, but we’ve never had a full on rainy one. We like to think the weather gods approve of our little party in the park.

The Knox County Public Library is kicking off a summer of reading. This year, with the latest legislation to combat low reading rates and TCAP scores that are changing the trajectory of third grade plans for over a thousand families in Knox County alone, this Festival and our summer programs seem more critical than ever. Learning to read can be daunting, but one thing we know is that we can all slow down, pick up a good book and read or be read to.

We’re tying ourselves in knots trying to get it right. And we must get it right. There are so many things in life that depend on proficient reading skills. But with all skills, mastery comes after a lot of practice and a certain ability to let go. Strong arming a golf swing will not win a tournament. Same with reading. For emerging readers, the best thing we can do is relax, have patience and help them sound out the hard words. Or for those not reading yet, point out colors, shapes and animals in a picture book. Make silly sounds and goofy faces. Make it fun. Do it for a few minutes every day. You won’t regret it. Those 20 minutes can be the best time of your day.

This summer, come down to the library to pick up new books – lots of them. You can check out up to 50 items at a time. With that many to choose from, you’re bound to find one or two that capture your interest.

And there are plenty of reasons to keep coming back – from science shows to magic, Shakespeare for kids to music, there are dozens of programs every week. The connections between music, movement and literacy are well documented. That’s why we’re excited about our new theme “Feel the beat.”

In the meantime, take a moment to enjoy this year’s action-packed Children’s Festival of Reading. Did I mention we’re a little bit proud?

Check out this video …

 

Mary Pom Claiborne is assistant director for marketing, communications and development for Knox County Public Library

 

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