SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White is encouraging Illinois families to set aside time to read together during the evening of Thursday, November 20th to celebrate the Secretary of State's annual Family Reading Night.
"One of the most wonderful gifts an adult can give a child is time spent together reading," White said. "An adult who makes time to read to a child sends a powerful message that they care about that child. Children from families who read together are better prepared for success in the classroom.
"Reading together strengthens the family unit, creates a positive environment for learning, and instills a love for reading among our children. I hope all Illinois families will make time November 20th to read together and celebrate the special joy and unity that comes from family reading."
The target audience for Family Reading Night is pre-kindergarten to 6th grade children and their families. The theme for this year's Family Reading Night is "Dreams Begin in Books." Sue Shanahan, celebrated Chicago area children's artist and illustrator, designed colorful posters and bookmarks which have been distributed to promote Family Reading Night. Since 1992, the Secretary of State's office has worked in conjunction with libraries, schools, educational associations, publishers, literacy programs, community organizations and others to sponsor Family Reading Night.
White said Family Reading Night celebrations will take place throughout the state. In previous years, celebrants have held contests where children win prizes, and parades where children dress up as characters from popular books. In some communities local celebrity readers read to children, and many grandparents participate in Family Reading Night as well.
"Reading can enrich all of our lives, and I applaud all adults who regularly take the time to read to children," Said White. "I look forward to another successful Family Reading Night November 20th."
PROGRAMS