​The ​The Spoon River College Literacy Program is pleased to announce that the 31st Annual Family Reading Night will be celebrated on Thursday, November 17. is pleased to announce that the 31st Annual Family Reading Night will be celebrated on Thursday, November 17. Held in partnership with libraries and schools throughout the SRC district, the goal is to encourage families to take time to read together as a family. With help from a grant from Dollar General, Spoon River College will provide 25 free books to each library to hand out to attendees.

“Family reading promotes healthy brain development in children, and can improve their language and listening skills. It can also help create a strong parent-child bond and instill a lifelong love of reading,” said Cyndi Johnston, adult education coordinator at Spoon River College.

“Our libraries do a wonderful job of finding fun and supportive ways to support Family Reading Night, and we hope families will take advantage of these free events. Taking time to read together is a great habit to cultivate.”

The activities, locations and times of each library’s event are listed below.

Astoria: The Astoria Public Library will celebrate throughout the day on November 17. Families can stop in and pick up a Family Reading Kit filled with snacks, a book and bookmarks, family activities, and other surprises.

Canton: Parlin-Ingersoll Library will host Family Reading Night November 17 from 6-7 p.m. They will be reading the story “Lentil” and making DIY instruments.

Cuba: The Spoon River Library will offer games, prizes, treats, and story time on November 17 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. All ages are welcome.

Farmington: The Farmington Area Public Library is offering a week of family reading fun. From Monday, November 14 until Saturday, November 19, each child that participates will receive a packet with a bookmark to log reading progress, a small bag of “bookworms” (gummy worms), and a free book. Participants will then get their name entered into a drawing for a prize at the end of the week.

Havana: The Havana Public Library District will hold a Family Reading Night event on November 17 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Spoon River College Havana Center located at 324 E. Randolph Street. The theme is The Letter ‘P’ – Pajamas and Pancakes, and each child will receive a free book. There will also be guest readers, information booths, snacks, door prizes, and entertainment by the Mason Dixies.

Lewistown: The Lewistown Carnegie Library will hand out free books and craft kits on November 19 while supplies last.

Macomb: The Macomb Public Library will celebrate Family Reading Day on November 17 with free books and cookies.

Rushville: The Rushville Public Library will celebrate Family Read Night on Wednesday, November 16 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. with a fun craft, snacks, and a free book for each child.

For more information about the Literacy Project at Spoon River College, visit www.src.edu or call Cyndi Johnston at (309) 833-6038.