Muhlenberg County Reads for the Record this week

This week is the time to grab a book and get reading, Muhlenberg County! March 2 through 5 is Read Across America, and there’s plenty of opportunities to participate, with in-person and online events planned.

The week kicks off with a county-wide “book tasting” and celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2. Events will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., at Greenville’s Harbin Memorial Library, Central City Library, Powderly Community Center, Bremen Community Center and Beechmont Baptist Church. COVID-19 protocols will be followed, and masks are to be worn.

Muhlenberg County High School students will be at all locations to give youngsters a “taste” of three books, and children will be able to choose one to take home. Children will receive a birthday cookie and birthday book and CD, after a special Dr. Seuss reading session. Dr. Seuss treat bags will be handed out as well.

On March 3, tune in to the SOAR Facebook page for a Facebook Live Bingo event. MCHS students will play Dr. Seuss Bingo with kids who join, and prizes will be mailed to the first 10 winners. Pick up your bingo cards at Harbin and Central City libraries. While you’re there, be sure to grab a Dr. Seuss coloring poster for a contest later in the week.

Thursday is an important day to grab a book, as Muhlenberg County joins in Read for the Record. This annual event is a national campaign to highlight the importance of reading to youngsters.

This will be the first year the county has participated in this event, said organizer Vicki Yonts. “We will set our first record for the most kids read to in one day,” she added.

County elementary schools will be participating in Read for the Record, with children Head Start through fifth grades working toward setting an inaugural record. Preschools, daycare centers, and many other organizations will be reading that day. Members of the Muhlenberg County Rotary Club, parents, caregivers, teachers and more will all join in by reading a book.

The number of books read on March 4 will be recorded, and each year Muhlenberg County participates in Read for the Record, the goal will be to beat the previous year’s record. If you spend time reading a book or two to your young ones on that day, please go to the SOAR Facebook page and let them know. These will also be counted toward the record.

To get involved in Read for the Record virtually, check out the SOAR Facebook page throughout the day on March 4, when MCHS students will be reading with a series of videos there.

The week ends with a celebration of Dr. Seuss. The Dr. Seuss Mobile will be popping up around the county, collecting Dr. Seuss coloring posters for a coloring contest. The winner will receive a collection of Dr. Seuss books, and the Dr. Seuss Mobile will be handing out free books and goodie bags.

One of the main focuses of SOAR is literacy, and Yonts said an early start really helps. The earlier, the better, she said. “We ask that you read with your kids 15 minutes a day. This will help them fall in love with reading, and be successful all through school.”