Sarris Library Hosts Literacy Night

Children in the were delighted by the sights and sounds of the first Literacy Night at the . 

The event, sponsored by the district and the Canon-McMillan Education Association, was filled with favorite books, costumed book characters, games, crafts, and prizes. 

The idea for such a night began with Lynne Douglas, fifth grade teacher at North Strabane Intermediate, and blossomed into a three-night event with 1,800 students in grades K-4 invited. Students in ’s National Honor Society and Student Council volunteered to run stations and dress up as roaming book characters, such as Clifford and the Cat in the Hat. 

Corporate sponsors , Barnes & Noble, and Opening Night Costumes, soon came on board and donated prizes, gift cards and giveaways. 

Students and their families had the opportunity to rotate through stations, organized by elementary librarian Rebecca Thompson, featuring stories and activities based on The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Curious George and The Cat in the Hat. Elementary school principals and teachers volunteered to man the story time room and employees of the public library were on hand to help students and families sign up for library cards. 

A favorite activity of the students, based on the book One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, was located in the hallway and involved “fishing” for prizes.  Thanks to the Southwestern Pennsylvania Literacy Council, every student left with a brand new book and donated a variety of chocolates, candy, Beanie Babies and raffle baskets for students.

Smiles could be seen all around the library, whether students were making a bookmark, listening to a story or reading with their families. Parents and grandparents were pleased with the opportunities to share and promote reading with their children. 

Summed up best by a first grade student leaving with an armful of new library books he checked out for the first time, “This was just awesome!”