Councilwoman Bowen 4 Families Reading

Families Reading Together (FRT) provides participants with books and accessories that help broaden interests in their respective hobbies, acquire reading skills, and foster a love of reading. Families Reading Together is designed to provide a partnership among the library, in development of lifelong learning skills through reading, and in development of a love of books and a joy of reading.

The current format for Families Reading Together is families come to the library weekly to pick up a craft kit, which corresponds with the story or book being read in the weekly instructional video. The kit provides families with craft materials needed to make the craft of the week. Families then watch the instructional video, which is posted on the library's Youtube channel (channel name Alice Public Library) and Facebook accounts. Replays of the videos are also available on the public access channel. The video includes a staff member reading several books, presenting craft instruction, and then explaining how participants can earn a prize for completed crafts. Families Reading Together is scheduled for every Thursday at 4:30pm all year long. 

Starting September 2022, Families Reading Together will be held in person at the library with a staff member each Thursday, from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. During the in person program, a staff member will read stories, give craft instruction, facilities a game, and awards prizes.

Families Reading Together has no set theme. Themes are selected by request, demonstrated interests in particular topic or subject, or time of year. 

All are welcome to participate in Families Reading Together, as the library services surrounding rural communities. Some of these communities do not have a library or lack a strong library presence. Some rural libraries have limited hours, services, or limited programing available to residents. Some communities do not have a local library at all. These community members frequent the Alice Public Library for their library needs.