July 2018 
Reading Buddies eNews
Information and resources for Imagination Library families
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 .
Helpful tips to make your child ready to read & learn
  1. Talk to your toddler to help them understand and learn new words. – Point out everyday objects and describe them as you play or walk around. Having a large vocabulary is great for a child's developing mind.
  2. Help your baby learn about language and its many uses! – Television is just background noise to your baby. Engage with your child and let them hear from an actual human being. Use sounds, songs, gestures, and rhymes.
  3. Point out printed words wherever you go. – Whether at home or the grocery store, point out all of the words that you come across with your young child. Spend as much time listening to them as you do talking to them.
  4. Create a quiet, special place in your home. – Creating a special place at home to read, write and draw can make your child eager to learn. Keep books and other materials where they can easily be reached.
  5. Show your child that reading is important. – Let them see you reading books, magazines and newspapers! Read more.

Learning is Everywhere!
Other Upcoming Events & Storytimes
Thursday, July 5 at 6:30pm
Evening Storytime at the Blasco Memorial Library
Bring the family and join us for fun stories and activities. We will sing, dance, play games, craft, try some science experiments, and more! Learn more.

Monday, July 9 at 10:00am
Erie Zoo Visits: Session 1 at Edinboro Branch Library
The zoo is coming to the library! The Erie Zoo will bring some of their education animals to meet children at the Edinboro Branch Library. Learn about what zookeepers do and get a chance to handle and interact with some of their favorite animal friends.
This program is free and open to children and their families, but please register in advance.

Saturday, July 7 & Friday, July 13 at 10:00am
Camp Marshmallow at the Millcreek Mall
 Sign up for the FIRST camp experience at Millcreek Mall proudly sponsored by TREC and DCNR. Enjoy free weekly activities where you’ll learn about helping the environment and protecting animals in our local community. Children ages 4-7 can sign up to receive their explorer backpack and badge at the Customer Service Center. First come first serve while supplies last! Learn more.

Monday, July 16 at 10:00am
Erie Seawolves Family Storytime at Edinboro Branch Library
Join the Erie SeaWolves for an exciting, baseball-themed storytime! Children will even get to meet the team’s mascot, C. Wolf!  Learn more.

Saturday, July 7 at 11:00am
Storytime and Activities featuring "Neck & Neck" at Barnes & Noble
In this laugh-out-loud new book from the creator of the bestselling If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don't!, a giraffe's self-esteem is tested during a hilarious confrontation between unlikely look-alikes .  Learn more.

Every Wednesday and Friday Evening at 7:00pm
Free Evening Lagoon by Pontoon at the Presque Isle Lagoon Boat Launch
The evening hours on Presque Isle can be the best time to enjoy wildlife activity.The lagoon at Presque Isle is full of natural surprises such as sun basking turtles, wading great blue herons, beavers slapping their tails on the water, and many other natural wonders. Join the park staff and volunteers on a one-hour interpretive pontoon boat ride to discover the natural history and beauty. This is a free program that accommodates 16 guests plus crew. Online registration required.
Peanut Butter and Cupcake
What’s a little piece of bread to do when he’s feeling lonely? Find a friend, of course!

And that’s exactly what Peanut Butter tries to do. But sometimes friends are hard to come by, especially when Hamburger has to walk his (hot) dogs, Cupcake is too busy building castles in her sprinkle box, and Egg laughs so hard he starts to crack up! Does Peanut Butter have a soulmate? Young readers will know the answer long before Peanut Butter does and laugh along with each mismatched pairing.


Stay Connected!
Great information, resources, reading guides and tips are shared on the Imagination Library for Erie County Facebook page . Be sure to Like and Follow the page to stay up to date and informed!


Got photos of your child reading?

Does your child love Imagination Library books?

Just enrolled and received their first book? Just had a fifth birthday and received  Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! and graduation certificate? 

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS via email to  photos@unitedwayerie.org .

Need help? Just dial 2-1-1 . A trained operator will connect you with information about financial assistance, counseling, food/clothing/shelter, health services, substance abuse and much more! It's always free and confidential .
Reading Buddies and the Imagination Library are early childhood literacy programs of United Way of Erie County.