Making a favorite recipe, discussing the weekend’s football game, playing board games or talking about dinosaurs and princesses – these are all ways that families read together. This may sound strange but if you think about it, it becomes very clear.  You need to read a recipe, you need to read the article about the sports games, you need to read the instructions for board games and, of course, read the books about dinosaurs and princesses.  In December and January you can earn prizes for this type of activity during the Naperville Public Library’s Winter Family Read Aloud Program.

The reading program is built around normal family activities “We want to encourage reading as a part of everyday life,” explains Rashmi Mehrotra, Children’s Services Supervisor, Nichols Library. “We’re emphasizing how reading is a vital part of every activity. It’s not just sitting down with a book; it’s looking at cereal boxes to make sure you select the one you enjoy. It’s reading the number of spaces you’re allowed to advance in a board game. And most important of all, families spending time together having fun.”

The program starts Saturday, Dec. 1 and it’s easy to join. Families with children (infant to grade 5) and at least one adult can participate by registering at any Children's Services Desk. Families will need at least one Naperville Library card to register. Don’t live in Naperville? You can register for $5 per child.

Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a Family Read Aloud treat sheet. After your family has completed 8 of the 15 activities listed in the treat sheet, come to the Library for prizes, a chance to enter the raffle, and receive the next treat sheet.

To get you started on a fun reading activity, the Naperville Public Library has planned a Gingerbread House Contest. Everyone is welcome to participate, even if you’re not part of the Family Read Aloud program. What could be more fun than making and decorating a gingerbread house? Don’t limit yourself to thinking it is something you bake – there are lots of different ways to make a gingerbread house. And there are kits available all over town! Bring your finished creation to any of the three Library buildings between 9 and 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15.  The houses will be on display between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and certificates for various categories will be awarded. Later, look on the Library’s Facebook page and on the Library website.

“We really hope people will embrace the idea of reading being fun, something that’s not limited to picking up a book and sitting in a special place,” explains Rashmi. “Reading is something you do all day long.”

The Winter Family Read Aloud Program ends Thursday, Jan. 31 and all treat sheets must be returned by that date to earn a prize.

For more information about this and other children’s programs, visit our website, www.naperville-lib.org or call one of the Children’s Services departments, general number is 630-961-4100, and the extensions are: Nichols Library, ext. 6128; Naper Boulevard Library, ext. 2208; and 95th Street Library, ext. 4961. If you need accessibility information, call Lisa West 630-961-4100, ext. 2231.
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About the Naperville Public Library
The Naperville Public Library serves a population of more than 142,000 at the Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave., the Naper Boulevard Library, 2035 S. Naper Blvd., the 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr.; and our website. The Library’s collection of more than 830,000 items includes magazines, newspapers, large-type books, CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, books on CD, eBooks, downloadable audio books, music and movies; online resources, and, of course, books. The Naperville Public Library supports all residents of Naperville in their lifelong pursuit of learning, enjoyment and inspiration by providing excellence in public library services, resources and programs. For more information visit our website.