Courtesy photo Katelynn Votaw with her goat Oliver.
Courtesy photo Makayla Rhea, daughter of Dona and Lee Rhea of Mount Vernon, shows the special book she received as a gift from the library for reading her first 100 books.
Courtesy photo Story time librarian Melissa Kipp reads stories about farm animals to the children.
On Saturday, July 30, Selover Public Library in Chesterville held its first annual party to celebrate the children who are participating in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program.
This program is part of a nationwide initiative to encourage parents to read to their infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Children at Selover Library’s party were greeted by a friendly goat named Oliver, provided by Katelynn Votaw, daughter of Debbie Votaw of Fredericktown. Then, Benton Mahan, children’s book illustrator, drew an original picture for each child as the children and their families shouted out requests. Selover Library’s story time librarian Melissa Kipp read stories about farm animals, and the children enjoyed games and snacks.
Parents can visit the library to sign their children up for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten at any time. They keep track of the books that are read to their children. Every 100 books, they bring in their reading logs and get a prize. Selover Library plans to hold a party every summer to encourage families to read to their small children and to recognize those who have made progress toward their goal of 1000 books before kindergarten starts.
Parents can count books they or another caregiver reads. They can also count books read at story time; Selover Library’s Story Time for preschoolers begins Friday, September 9, at 10:15.
