Read to Succeed’s 7th annual Reading Rally will take place simultaneously at the Smyrna, LaVergne, and Murfreesboro Linebaugh Libraries from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26.
This celebration of the written word is a free, public family event that features musicians, storytellers, popular children’s characters and readers.
Complimentary healthy snacks, book-related art projects, and door prizes to such local treats as Discovery Center, Bill Taylor’s Bushido School of Karate will be awarded. Each site will also feature a physical challenge such as a Moon Jump.
“These physical activities give the smaller members of your family a nice break from listening to readers and live music, or working on creating a bookmark or other art project,” Read To Succeed executive director Ronni Shaw said. “Children always need an opportunity to expend some energy, so the blow-up climbing and jumping structures are always a popular spot at Reading Rally. Of course, the book characters are always a big draw, too.”
This year’s characters are Franklin The Turtle at Linebaugh, Curious George in LaVergne, and Clifford the Big Red Dog in Smyrna.
“The bigger-than-life characters for favorite children’s’ books excite the imagination of young visitors,” Shaw said. “As much as the live musicians, magicians and storytellers, the characters help children to believe that anything is possible through the pages of a book.
“Read To Succeed supports our wonderful Libraries in creating this festival in the hope that families will see their local library as a destination; a place to have fun, relax, enjoy each other, and leave with the prize of a borrowed book for continued pleasure at home,” she continued. “The staffs at our local libraries work tirelessly to care for the literacy needs of our community. These Rallies are chance for them to show families the libraries in their best light.”
Special happenings at Linebaugh include balloon animals created by Scott Tripp, The Linebaugh Singers, Discovery Center ZOOM Zone and visit from The Very Hungry Caterpillar thanks to Barnes & Noble. Also, WGNS will be broadcasting live.
Events at the Smyrna Public Library Rally include Sparkman’s Magic Show, appearances by former UT-NFL star Cory Fleming, SnowBird and Red from Red Robin, and local author Alethea Kontis who wrote, Alpha Oops.
La Vergne Public Library will feature individualized balloon creations by Patrick Fortenberry, music by guitarist, children’s song writer Kevin Kidd, and special VIP guest readers.
Families are urged to attend the Reading Rally site most convenient to them.
“This is a great event for families while placing an emphasis on the importance of reading,” Shaw said. “Bring the whole family for food, music, entertainment, and fun!”
Call your local library for more information about your Reading Rally.
Reading Rally follows Read To Succeed’s Reading in the Schools Day. On Thursday, September 24, 2009 every pre-k through 6th grade classroom in Rutherford County will have a community volunteer as a guest reader.
If you’d like to read in a school or find out more about Read To Succeed please visit www.readtosucceed.org
Read To Succeed, the community literacy collaborative in Rutherford County, will promote reading, with an emphasis on family literacy. This nonprofit initiative supports literacy programs and fosters awareness of the importance of reading. |
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