United Way sponsors summer reading fair at Mill Creek
United Way of Madison County is doing its share to encourage Madison youngsters to exercise their reading skills this summer.
United Way is sponsoring its Summer Reading Fair on June 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mill Creek Elementary School, 847 Mill Road. Students in all grades can receive the free books.
“Madison elementary schools emphasize the importance of summer reading to all of our students a number of ways,” Mill Creek Principal Melanie Barkley said. “For example, we encourage students to participate in the Alabama Summer Reading Challenge, which is sponsored by the Alabama State Department of Education.”
Mill Creek librarians sent a suggested summer reading list to students’ parents. “Also, we encourage families to visit the local public library,” Barkley said.
The Mill Creek staff was excited to have another opportunity to promote the importance of summer reading to students and families when United Way of Madison County proposed for Mill Creek to host the fair.
ERC is sponsoring the fair, and United Way is asking for donations from community members.
A committee of volunteers will meet at Mill Creek for 9 a.m. to noon on June 22 to stuff bags with the books and pencils to hand out to every child that attends.
Parents can take an active role in promoting reading. “Parents can take time to visit the (school or public) library and help their children choose books that they enjoy reading,” Barkley said. “They can also refer to the list that our librarians posted on the website that has some great suggestions for fun summer reading.”
Outside fun and exercise will be another part of the book fair with inflatable amusements adjacent to the playground. The children also will enjoy popcorn and snow cones.
“The United Way volunteers are working hard for the book fair to happen,” Barkley said.
United Way of Madison County is located at 701 Andrew Jackson Way in Huntsville. For more information about United Way, call 256-536-0745 or visit madisoncountycares.org.
