EAST LANSING, Mich. — The East Lansing Public Library (ELPL) will celebrate early childhood literacy at a free, special event on Sunday, March 15 from 1-3:30 p.m. at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road.
The event, organized by the Early Childhood Literacy Coalition, will feature family-friendly musical performances by The Storytellers at 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The Storytellers are a Michigan-based duo that combines beautiful music, interactive storytelling, audience participation and hands-on fun with musical instruments from around the world.
The event will also include music by Ingham Early On, children’s activities and an opportunity for kids to meet their favorite storybook characters. This year’s characters include Clifford the Big Red Dog, Cookie Mouse, Mercy Watson, Esteban the Pea Green Crayon and Pete the Cat. All activities will focus on fostering literacy skills and a love of reading. Additionally, each child in attendance will receive a free book, while supplies last.
“The East Lansing Public Library wants to help the community raise great readers,” said ELPL Youth Services Librarian Caitlyn Stypa. “We invite you to join us for a fun afternoon focused on supporting early literacy skills. Between the crafts, activities, music, storytelling and costumed characters, your family is bound to have a great time.”
From March 7-21, early childhood agencies around the Greater Lansing area will be hosting events featuring the storybook characters. A schedule of events is available at www.cadl.org as a printable online brochure.
“Supporting early literacy skills is foundational to building future readers, so having music, craft tables and a gross motor skills space really gives kids another chance to practice those skills,” said Marisela Garza, who is the Co-Chair of the Early Childhood Literacy Coalition and Youth Services Specialist for the Capital Area District Libraries.
Members of the Early Childhood Literacy Coalition include ELPL, Bath Township Public Library, CACS Head Start, Capital Area District Libraries, Clinton Great Start, Delta Township District Library, DeWitt District Library, Eaton Great Start, Grand Ledge Area District Library, Ingham Great Start, Lansing RIF, Library of Michigan and WKAR/Ready to Learn.