EAST LANSING, Mich. — The East Lansing Public Library (ELPL) will be one of many organizations celebrating childhood literacy at a free special event on Sunday, March 18, from 1-3:30 p.m. at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center (ELHCC), 819 Abbot Road.
Storybook characters, musical performances and storytelling will be combined in a way to foster literacy skills and a love for reading. The event will include family-friendly stage shows featuring author-illustrator duo Connie Schofield-Morrison and Frank Morrison, creators of the book “I Got the Rhythm” (the 2018 Ready to Read Michigan book selection), and musician and storyteller Karen Czarnik. Performances will take place at 1:15 p.m., 1:50 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.
The event will also feature additional children’s activities, music with the Early On Band and an opportunity for children to meet their favorite storybook characters. This year’s featured characters are Clifford the Big Red Dog, Dinosaur (Jane Yolen’s “How Do Dinosaurs” series), Pete the Cat, Peter Rabbit and Rainbow Fish.
Each family will receive a free book while supplies last. The ELHCC offers free parking and is also on CATA Route 26.
From March 9-23, Early Childhood Literacy Coalition member agencies will have events at their sites featuring the book characters. A schedule of these events is available at www.cadl.org as a printable online brochure.
Early Childhood Literacy Coalition members include CACS Head Start, Capital Area District Libraries, Clinton Great Start, Delta Township District Library, DeWitt District Library, East Lansing Public Library, Eaton Great Start, Grand Ledge Area District Library, Ingham Great Start, Lansing RIF, Library of Michigan and WKAR/Ready to Learn.