By Alyssa Ramsfield
It’s a well known fact that reading is essential to learning for students. For many students, reading is so much more than that. It is an escape route from reality. Immersing yourself in a new world filled with unique characters is part of the fun in reading. This fun is celebrated annually through Lacey Loves to Read events.
Lacey Loves to Read is celebrating its 11th year in the community. Since 2004, the program has brought award-winning authors to speak to children about the importance of literacy through community engagement. These experiences have included over the years the use of Skype sessions, contests, book clubs, workshops, and discussions. They have also spent time partnering with community business members to spread the word about reading during the month of February.
Lacey Loves to Read is all about getting the community involved in reading. Part of this involvement includes some one-on-one time with a notable author. This year, the event is featuring Patrick Carman. Carman has written many distinguished books for young readers. Some of his bestselling works include The Land of Elyon, Atherton, Elliot’s Park, 39 Clues, Thirteen Days to Midnight, and Skeleton Creek.
The Salem, Oregon born author has talked to many students about his award winning work. “I’ve been to at least 1400 schools to speak to students,” explains Carman. “My goal is to leave them with two or three writing tools that are useful for them.”
“I use a lot of jokes and humor in my speeches,” describes Carman. “I like to personalize it by giving stories about my mischief as a child. It helps kids become more comfortable with me. I was such a reluctant reader. I was really into comic books and spent most of my allowance on them. I didn’t really get hooked onto a book until I read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It was the first time a chapter book came along that was as visual as a comic book to me.”
The author will visit local North Thurston schools and talk to students about reading and writing as part of Lacey Loves to Read assemblies. Carman will also take part in a free Meet the Author event at Lacey Community Center on February 27 at 7:00 p.m.to meet with people around the community.
The event is sponsored by Lacey Timberland Library, North Thurston Public Schools, City of Lacey and Lacey Chamber of Commerce.
“To help engage our students and community around real-life reading applications, the Lacey Chamber Education Committee is promoting a new activity to involve local businesses and families with the ‘Read Around Lacey’ Literacy Adventure,” states the official Lacey Loves to Read website. Students are challenged to visit businesses to learn about why reading is so important. If the students visit four or more locations they are put into a drawing to win some wonderful prizes including: a Kindle Fire, gift certificates for books, and coupons for Round Table Pizza. The winners will be announced at the Lacey Community Center author event.
Another way this event is spreading reading importance is through a school-wide bookmark contest. Students were asked to design bookmarks based on their love for a good book. Bookmark winners were featured on bookmarks that are distributed to public and private schools throughout Lacey, as well as City Hall, Timberland Library and sponsoring businesses for the entire community to enjoy.
Lacey Loves to Read is all about spreading the love of reading. Whether it’s through contests or time spent with an established author, this event brings the community together to share the enjoyment of a good book across Thurston County.
Thursday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m.
Lacey Community Center
http://www.nthurston.k12.wa.us/read
