October 27, 2011 – National Family Literacy Day, celebrated across the U.S., focuses on special activities and events that showcase the importance of family literacy programs. First held in 1994, the annual event is officially celebrated on November 1.

Decoding words is at the core of literacy, but more so, it’s about understanding. Celebrating family literacy includes activities in the home that provide kids with the foundational experiences upon which comprehending the written word is based.

The library recommends a few ways to celebrate:
Have a post-Halloween read-aloud picnic or party, inviting friends to bring a favorite short book, poem, or personal writing; and then everyone gets to stand up and read their choice, while others are munching.

Put a gently-used children’s book in someone’s trick-or-treat bag: go through your bookshelves and see if there are any you want to give away along with a treat!

Take a trip to a museum, historical spot, or place of interest and notice autumn decorations they may have put up. Educate your children about the place, and read aloud together any brochures you find about that place or exhibit.

For more information about family literacy, please contact head of youth services Kristi Hansen at 825-4624, ext. 230 or email khansen@salpublib.org.