Keeping children engaged in reading over the summer is the goal of the United Way of St. Charles’ book swap.
“We are excited to see how many children will be inspired by our first Children’s Book Swap,” said Melissa Manning Frederick, UW marketing manager. “The response we have received so far has been incredible, including the amount of book donations and volunteers interested in our book swap.”
The book swap will be held 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. June 20 at the United Way office in Luling.
Children can freshen up their book collection this summer at the free family event featuring book titles appropriate for early childhood through fifth grade reading levels.
Families are encouraged to bring books their child no longer reads and exchange them for “new” titles the child will be excited to read. Anyone planning to attend the book swap who would like to donate before the swap will receive a swap voucher to bring back the day of the event.
The printed book is an opportunity to unplug, Frederick said.
“As technology consumes our daily lives, it’s refreshing and beneficial to ‘unplug’ and enjoy non-electronic entertainment, such as reading and flipping through the pages of a traditional book,” she said. “Research shows that 75 percent of those who own e-readers prefer reading print books with their children over e-books. The parent-child interaction around reading is a treasured experience and one that cannot be replicated with a bright screen at bedtime.”
The book swap will also feature other fun activities including bookmark making, story time, a photo station and free snowballs.
Local sci-fi author Lee Stephen will also be in attendance to answer questions children may have about becoming a writer.
The first 100 children to arrive will receive a free, signed copy of Beaux the Blue Crawfish written by local author Wendy Cartozzo. Cartozzo will also serve as the special guest story time reader for the event.
Representatives from the St. Charles Parish Public Library will also be on hand to sign up children for library cards, register families for the summer reading program and teach individuals how to access the various electronic resources available for free with their St. Charles Parish Library membership.
“Participating in a summer reading program of some type is very important because it helps children of all ages maintain their reading skills and keeps them engaged with the community while they’re not in school,” said Lauren Campo Pitz, St. Charles Parish Library Public Relations and Adult Programming Librarian. “Parents can also show their children the importance of reading by participating in summer reading programs for adult.
“United Way of St. Charles’ Book Swap is a great opportunity to freshen up your book collection for the summer.”
The book swap is sponsored by Monsanto.
All book donations can be dropped off at the United Way office at 13207 River Road in Luling, Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to noon, leading up to the event.
For more information about the Children’s Book Swap, visit www.uwaysc.org or call (985) 331-9063.
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