Spokane is Reading with Chris Cleave

This Friday, October 12th, will be the 11th Annual Spokane is Reading. If you've never been before, Spokane is Reading is a series of events organized by the Spokane Public Library, the Spokane Country Library District, and Auntie's Bookstore. Every year, they bring an influential author to Spokane to discuss one of his or her books with the community.

This year's visiting author is Chris Cleave, who will discuss his international bestseller Little Bee at two free presentations:

The Garland Theater - 1pm
924 W Garland Ave

The Lincoln Center, Monroe Ballroom - 7pm

Not familiar with the novel? The publisher has this to say...

"We don't want to tell you too much about this book. It is a truly special story and we don't want to spoil it. Nevertheless, you need to know something, so we will just say this: It is extremely funny, but the African beach scene is horrific. The story starts there, but the book doesn't. And it's what happens afterward that is most important. Once you have read it, you'll want to tell everyone about it. When you do, please don't tell them what happens either. The magic is in how it unfolds."

Chris Cleave is the author of Incendiary (2005), which inspired the film of the same name. His most recent novel is Gold (2012).

For more information about Chris Cleave, visit his website: chriscleave.com

For more about Spokane is Reading, visit: spokaneisreading.org/2012

Storytime for Kids

We've all heard that rumor that exposing your child to classical music boosts their brains cells and makes them smarter. We've come across articles in parenting manuals that swear by reading to your children, because it strengthens the relationship and prepares them for academic excellence.

Well, the Spokane County Library District certainly has it covered when it comes to introducing kids to exciting stories and vibrant pictures. Every week each branch of the Spokane county library holds Storytime, a twenty minute period dedicated to stories, songs, and mini lessons. This time is spent helping to stimulate a passion for learning and literature. Weekly Storytime is separated into three age groups:

1. Baby Lapsit for 0-18 months - This one-on-one time between baby and parent focuses on nursery rhymes, songs, and stories to introduce the baby to rhythm and music. It works to foster an early love of the written language.
2. Toddler Storytime for ages 1 1/2 to 3 years - Designed for toddlers, this story-time uses picture books, puppets, and finger-play to engage children in arts and culture.
3. Preschool Play Learn for ages 3-5 years - This activity goes for an hour instead of the usual 20 minutes. It brings stories, songs, and finger-play into the mix to introduce concepts of math, science, art, and literature.

All of these weekly programs focus on helping children to develop cognitively, becoming aware of their educational surroundings through fun activities that promote bonding with parents. To find out what times each library branch holds their Storytime, click the here, or visit the Spokane County Library District website directly at http://www.scld.org/. 

Spokane Public Library Storytime Volunteers Needed

Do you love spending time with kids? Do you have some extra time available? Do you think children should be introduced to books as early as possible?

The Spokane Public Library is in need of Storytime volunteers and you should apply. The Storytime program has been going on in many different branches since 2007 and they hope to continue it even longer.

The Storytime volunteers present different stories to children, from toddlers to pre schoolers. The joy in seeing the children at such a young age find a love for reading is the best reward. The volunteers are asked to commit to one year of service and volunteer at least once a month. Each volunteer must pass a Washington State Patrol background check. They will be given training and assistance to make Storytime go as smoothly as possible. Storytime is from 10:00 am to 10:30 am, Tuesdays through Fridays.

What: Spokane Public Library Storytime Volunteers
Where: Spokane Public Library (most branches)
When: Tuesdays through Fridays 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Cost: FREE!
More Information:
Contact Sally Chilson at schilson@spokanelibrary.org
Call - (509) 444-5331