Reading Buddies eNews
Information and resources for Imagination Library families

December 2016
Do you know someone who may want to register a child for the Imagination Library in Erie County? It's simple! Forward this newsletter or share this link .
Books for Birthdays
The free Books for Birthdays program administered in Erie County by Hooked on Books for Kids provides parents or other caregivers the opportunity to select up to three books per year to gift to children in their family for a birthday or other special occasion.

Children aged 11 years and older may also register themselves for the program and select books of their own choosing from our inventory, up to three per year.
Learn more 

Contact Linda Smalley at 866-3949 for more information. Visit the Hooked on Books for Kids Facebook page
Rose Loves ABC Look at Me!

"Here is Rose, reading her new  ABC Look at Me book from the Imagination Library for Erie County. I couldn't get her to stop reading long enough to look at the camera! She loves it. Thank you United Way!"

Read more about Rose's love of reading from her mother, Dana Massing, in a recently published Erie Times News article entitled " Imagination Library promotes reading to all children."

Free Storytimes & Holiday Events
Be sure to check out these free events!

Friday, December 2 at 7:00pm - The Polar Express Pajama Storytime All Aboard! Come in your pajamas for a magical evening as Barnes & Noble hosts their annual Polar Express storytime. Coloring and activities to follow, including writing a Dear Santa letter!

Saturday, December 10 from 12:30-2:30pm - Children's Christmas Party at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 950 West 7th Street. Activities include a puppet show by the Sonlight Puppet Ministry, a free lunch and even a visit from Santa! Learn more

Saturday, December 17 at 10am - Holiday Storytime at the Blasco Library,  'Tis the season for holiday cheer, so come join us for some stories, songs, crafts, and a puppet show all about Christmas and Hanukkah. This program is designed for children and their families. No registration required!  Learn more
Sharing Wordless Picture Books
Wordless picture books are told entirely through their illustrations - they are books without words, or sometimes just a few words. 

Sharing wordless books with a child provides an opportunity for literacy-rich conversations.

Wordless books often promote more discussion than books with words, which leads to better comprehension. 

We tend to focus on, and appreciate, the details in the pictures more in these types of books. They also encourage the introduction of new vocabulary, help develop storytelling skills.  Learn more

Coloring Fun
Important Information



Reading Guide

Not Receiving Books?
If you are not receiving books, or have a specific question about the Imagination Library please contact Joanna Peters via email or phone (814) 456-2937 ext. 233.
Other Community News
Free Clothing & Coat Distribution
Saturday, December 3
10:00am - 2:00pm
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2216 Peach Street

The event includes free coats, free clothing for men, women and children, and a toy distribution for children. Snacks and refreshments will also be available.  Learn more
Got photos of your child reading?

Does your child love Imagination
Library  books? Just enrolled and received their first book? Just had a birthday and received Kindergarten Here I Come and their graduation certificate?  SEND US YOUR PHOTOS  via email to  photos@unitedwayerie.org .
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Great information, resources, reading guides and tips are shared on the Imagination Library for Erie County Facebook page. Be sure to Like andFollow the page to stay up to date and informed!
Reading Buddies is an early childhood literacy program  of United Way of Erie County .