BROCKWAY, Pa. (EYT) – For 100 years, libraries across the United States have been celebrating Children’s Book Week during what is called the longest-running literacy event in the nation. This year’s theme is “Read Now, Read Forever,” which is driving libraries in the Jefferson County Library System to encourage parents to read to their children.
The Jefferson County Library System, which includes Brockway’s Mengle Memorial Library, celebrated this year’s event starting Monday and running to Sunday.
“We are trying to remind people of the importance of using the library every day and reading to children,” Mengle Head Librarian Darlene Marshall said. “Let kids pick the books they want to read, but the most important thing a parent can do is expose their children to a wide variety of literature.”
The Kids’ Library at Mengle Memorial. (Photo by Darlene Marshall).
Marshall said that reading with children creates a bond with the kids even when the children can read for themselves. It makes reading a fun, comfortable activity.
“Bringing them to the library for books is an easy way to expose children to a wide variety of literature,” she said. “Borrow more books than you think they’re going to be able to read. More choices will encourage extra reading time.”
Mengle, like the rest of the libraries in the Jefferson County System, has many children’s books to choose from. And, sometimes, parents can find some of their old favorites to share with their children.
“Some of the best books I’ve ever read are children’s books,” Mengle’s Sandy Sherry said. “Some are hilarious, some can be incredibly touching, but the best have one thing in common: they can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Sherry said that Mengle has a summer reading program that will start June 11. The library also offers story hours and more.
More information on how the whole county library system is celebrating Children’s Book Week can be found at its website. Libraries in the system are Mengle, Rebecca M. Arthurs Memorial Library in Brookville, Punxsutawney Memorial Library, Reynoldsville Public Library, Summerville Public Library, and Sykesville Public Library.
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