A steady diet of books, family reading opens doors

When Jennifer was born, her parents decided to put her on a “diet” of at least ten books a day. Born with a heart defect, she had to stay in the hospital for seven weeks after birth. While still in intensive care, her parents began reading to her and left recordings of stories for the nurses to play for her when they couldn’t be there.

At seven years of age, Jennifer was one of the best readers in her first grade class with consistently high scores in reading and vocabulary.

When Jennifer was two months of age, her parents were told that she was blind, deaf, and severely retarded as a result of Down’s Syndrome. At age four, her IQ was 111.

Throughout her school years, Jennifer’s parents continued to read to her. By the time she graduated high school, she was a member of the National Honor Society and accomplished artist. She went on to attend Lesley University in Cambridge, Massechusetts.

This experience comes from “The Read-Aloud Handbook” by Jim Trelease. It is one of many in the book that demonstrate the impact that family reading has on a child.

“When parents read to their children, their attention is focused on the child. It creates a loving, learning experience for the child that has tremendous benefits for them,” explains Suzanne Davis, Children’s Services librarian.

Every November, the Idaho Commission for Libraries promotes Family Reading Week. Sandpoint Mayor Shelby Rognstad issued a proclamation declaring November 11-17 Family Reading Week in Sand-point. The mayor read the proclamation aloud at the Nov. 7 Sand-point City Council meeting, stating the importance of reading together as a family.

Par-ents, grandparents, children, and anyone who wants to celebrate the value of family reading are invited to the Family Reading Week Party at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17 in the Community Room at the Sandpoint Library. Elementary school-aged kids and their families will enjoy party snacks, quidditch, a scavenger hunt, photo booth, costumes and a special appearance by Harry Potter! A limited number of tickets will be available via EventBrite. Go to ebonnerlibrary.org/Events and locate the event listing or access EventBrite from our Facebook Events page. Suzanne Davis, Children’s Services, would be happy to answer your questions: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

This year, during Family Reading Week, make a special effort to read aloud to the children in your life. The effects of doing so will benefit them their whole life.

Bring the family to one of our engaging literacy events this week:

East Bonner County Library District schedule

- Friday, Nov. 16 — High School Mixer, 5 p.m. at the Rotary Teen Lounge, 1407 Cedar St. Music, gaming, and fun just for 9th-12th graders from any school/homeschool. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245.

- Saturday, Nov. 17 — Family Reading Week, Harry Potter Party; 2 p.m.; aA free Family Reading Week event for elementary school-aged children (ages 6-11). Limited to 150 attendees. Tickets are available now at ebonnerlibrary.org on the Events calendar listing. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Sunday, Nov. 18 through Saturday, Nov. 24 — Fine Forgiveness Week. We are thankful for our patrons! Fines waived for overdue materials the week of Thanksgiving. Does not apply to lost or damaged items.

- Tuesday, Nov. 20 — Mother Goose, 10 a.m.; six-week sessions. Stories and singing for babies and toddlers (0-3 years old) and their caregivers with stay and& play until 10:40 a.m. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, Nov. 20 — Preschool Stories, 11 a.m.; stories and crafts for kids and their caregivers. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

·• Tuesday, Nov. 20 — Robotics, 3-5 p.m. the Clark Fork branch. Explore STEAM with Lego Mindstorm robotics. Information: 208-266-1321.

- Tuesday, Nov. 20, and Wednesday, Nov. 21 — Intro to Virtual Reality, 3-6 p.m., drop-in 15-minute sessions Experience VR. Explore the world with Google Earth VR, swim in the deep sea, go on a virtual tour, play arcade style games or walk a plank suspended from an 80-story building - all from the safety of The Library! First come, first served. Under 18 must accompany parent consent form. Under 10 must be accompanied by parent/legal guardian. Information: Contact the Tech Desk 208-263-6930 ext.1251.

- Tuesday, Nov. 20 — MAGIC the Gathering,.3:30-5 p.m. Teens meet in Community Room B to play the game, “Magic”. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245, or kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, Nov. 21 — Clark Fork Stories and More, 10:30 a.m. Stories, crafts, prizes and snacks for kids ages 3-8. Clark Fork branch.

- Wednesday, Nov. 21 — Closing early for Thanksgiving-eve

- Thursday, Nov. 22 — Closed for Thanksgiving

- StoryWalk — Pages from a children’s book are posted along a trail for a fun, family experience. Enjoy “Time To Sleep” by Denise Fleming at Dover City Park and “I Know It’s Autumn” by Eileen Spinelli at McNearney Park. Read, connect, and get outside at a StoryWalk, a partnership of The Library, Kaniksu Land Trust, city of Dover, and city of Ponderay. For more information, visit www.ebonnerlibrary.org or call Suzanne Davisat 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Clark Fork Autumn Reading Program for all ages — Read Sept. 1 to Dec. 1 and record the name of each book, full magazine, or book on tape with the author’s name. For each completed item, earn a library bidding dollar for use in the Holiday Silent Auction on Dec. 7-8. For information contact the Clark Fork Library.

Marcy Timblin is in charge of public relations, marketing & community development for the East Bonner County Library District. She can be reached at 208-263-6930, ext. 1204.