INDIANAPOLIS — Families and children of all ages are invited for a celebration of language and literacy in support of Reach Out and Read Indiana during the community “ReadIN’ on Sat., April 1 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St. This free event will feature community guest readers, musical performances, arts and crafts, and opportunities to win prizes and help build the home libraries of at-risk preschoolers.
The non-profit Reach Out and Read is dedicated to giving the youngest children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging families to read together. Medical professionals incorporate the organization’s evidence-based model into regular pediatric checkups by advising parents about the importance of reading aloud and providing developmentally-appropriate books to children.
The “ReadIN” at Central Library will support Reach Out and Read programs at pediatric resident clinics at Riley Hospital for Children, Healthnet Pediatric and Adolescent Care Center and the Eskenazi W. 38th Street Health Center where over 300 books are given to families each month. The day will feature Grammy-nominated artist José-Luis Orozco (11 a.m.) who will present a family concert. The first 150 children in attendance will receive a free CD by the storytelling musician. There will also be strolling magic, Crouching Tigers classes, a Dr. Seuss magic show, face painting, arts and crafts, and appearances by Clifford the Big Red Dog.
Reach Out and Read is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics as a proven intervention that delivers results and is supported by numerous independent, published research studies. For more information or to donate funds or volunteer as a reader, visit wwwreachoutandread.org/Indiana.
