The Grand Rapids Public Library is starting a new initiative to get children in preschool and early elementary school excited about reading and using their local library. The Mayor’s Book Club for Kids partners Mayor Heartwell’s commitment to literacy and the Library’s dedication to fostering a child’s love of reading.
Each month, the Mayor and Library staff will visit a different preschool, library branch or elementary school in Grand Rapids. They Mayor will read a book to the children, usually by a Michigan-based author, and library staff will lead a book-related event. Some months, the author of the book, or a representative from a related community organization will also be on hand. Each classroom will be given a copy of the book and each child will receive a “I Read with the Mayor’ button, a bookmark with all of the Mayor’s Book Club selections listed, and a library card application.
2008-2009 Book Selections
August The Librarian by Sarah Stewart
September Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw
October For the Love of Autumn by Patricia Polacco
November Belinda Begins Ballet by Amy Young
December The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
January Dino-Hockey by Lisa Wheeler
February Friend on Freedom River by Gloria Whelan
March The Legend of Michigan by Trinka Hakes Noble
April Cesar Takes a Break by Susan Collins Thoms
May Nothing But Trouble: The Story of Althea Gibson By Sue Staffacher
June ‘Twas the Night Before Summer by Anne Margaret Lewis
July Olivia by Ian Falconer
For more information, call 988-5400 or visit www.grpl.org.