Young Readers Week encourages early learning

By Ashley Luthans

The second week in November marks Young Readers Week, a call to get more kids hitting the books.

The week encourages children, especially young ones, to learn.

Lisa Ransom, manager of the St. Joseph Public Library’s Downtown branch children’s department, said that reading helps children in a multitude of ways.

“Reading is so important,” Ransom said. “It’s important for basic literacy, the early literacy skill, building vocabulary, just building that life-long love of reading. It has a life-long impact.”

Ransom said it is important for adults to read with their kids, not just those who aren’t old enough to do so alone.

“A lot of people think about reading just to young children, but it’s really important to read to your child of all ages,” Ransom said. “It opens up conversations, builds vocabulary, brings you to understanding different cultures, different places that you might not have been. It’s just, it’s a wonderful way to open up your mind and your imagination.”

The Rolling Hills Library in St. Joseph and Savannah is celebrating Young Readers Week by hosting storytimes and helping children create bookmarks.

There are regular events for young readers at the branches of both the St. Joseph Public Library and Rolling Hills Library.