Montclair’s ‘Little Read’ Returns For 2017

MONTCLAIR, NJ — It’s the biggest “little” event in Montclair, and it’s returning for 2017.

On Friday, Oct. 20 and Saturday, Oct.21, the Montclair Public Library will kick off its 9th annual Little Read weekend, a free children’s read-aloud marathon in a town-wide celebration of literacy and community featuring public officials, authors, celebrities and local community members.

Each participant in the event reads aloud in 10-minute slots, using children’s books geared to students in pre-school through grade four. Readings take place at different locations throughout Montclair, with a wide variety of children’s literature classics making the rotation.

This year, some of the readers will include Mayor Robert Jackson, Library Director Peter Coyl, and Fire Chief John Herrmann (with firefighters).

According to a news release from the Montclair Public Library Foundation, funds raised through sponsorships of this free event support the Children’s Department and the Children’s Summer Reading Program.

FRIDAY, OCT. 20

The library has also invited local preschools to the Bellevue Avenue Library during the morning of Friday, Oct. 20 to enjoy stories read by members of the community. Those attending include St. James Preschool, Lacordaire Academy, Pilsbury School and St. Cassian School.

Concurrently, the Montclair Community Pre-K and the Fulton Street location of the Montclair Child Development Center will hear stories at the Main Library. Beginning at 2 p.m., Montclair Public Library Foundation board members, Montclair Library Friends and library staff will read aloud at the Baldwin location of the Montclair Child Development Center.

The Little Read continues that evening at the Main Library with its traditional “Bedtime Stories” event from 7 to 8 p.m. Children can enjoy their cookies while watching Mayor Robert Jackson and Library Director Peter Coyl read from the “Big Red Chair.” Bringing down the house yet again will be the woodwind quartet from the Cali School of Music who will perform Peter and the Wolf, event organizers stated.

SATURDAY, OCT. 21

On Saturday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m., Fire Chief John Herrmann and MFD firefighters will read their favorite stories at the Upper Montclair Firehouse at 588 Valley Road. The Little Read will continue at the Montclair Art Museum at 1 p.m., where children will hear stories read by Montclair Art Museum staff. The Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation Community Center at 11 Pine Street will also host a reading event this year from 2 to 3 p.m.

The day concludes at the Main Library at 50 South Fullerton Avenue from 3 to 5 p.m. with many of our Montclair neighbors, writers, local heroes and celebrities, as well as Applegate Farms, which will provide apple cider donuts for all the children attending.

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Patch file photo