Monona Celebrates Books!

2016 Graduates of Monona's 1000 Books program

“We’re not teaching children how to read. We’re giving them the skills so that they will be ready to learn how to read,” said Karen Wendt, Youth Services Coordinator, Monona Library.

Monona Library hosted its 2nd annual Early Literacy "Play, Grow, & Read Party" along with its 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Graduation Party on January 22nd. It was a great success even though the event happened during a Packers playoff game!

Karen and her staff spend quite a bit of time marketing the 1000 Books program to insure its success.  Making connections with the 4K program at the schools and local childcare facilities that serve young children is one valuable avenue to promote the program.  Karen presents at staff meetings and parent events and distributes bookmarks to all 4k children. She recommends talking to everyone in the children’s area about the program.

All this hard work paid off with a successful event that was covered by the Wisconsin State Journal!  The article discusses 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program at Monona, which is sponsored by the Monona Library Foundation & Friends of Monona Public Library, along with details about the party. Karen’s awesome quote from above is from the article. It is also mentioned that other libraries host similar early literacy programs.

Thank you Karen and Monona Library for the getting the word out about the fun but important work libraries are doing!