Grace Lutheran of Lily Lake starts a summer reading program
Coinciding with its 125th anniversary celebration, Grace Lutheran Church of Lily Lake kicks off a summer reading program designed to encourage area children in kindergarten through fifth grade to enjoy reading during the school break.
Working with Lily Lake Grade School Principal Rebecca Jurs, Grace's pastor Rev. Dawn Roucka encouraged church members to organize the program to help local children who have little to no library access throughout the summer.
Grace offers free books from its "Little Library" in front of the church where books are free for the taking or leaving. Currently, the Little Library is stocked with children's books.
The summer reading program also offers free books, as well as tickets toward prizes for each set of books a child reads over the summer. Prizes will be given away at the last of four summer read-aloud gatherings.
The special read-aloud days include a group theme book reading, dressing up as your favorite theme character, a costume parade, and opportunity to receive tickets for books read. There also will be light snacks.
Special themed read-aloud days are held in the outdoor pavilion behind the church, 5N600 Hanson Road, just east of Route 47 and north of Route 64 in St. Charles. All are welcome.
Remaining read aloud days are open to anyone interested in summer reading fun.
On Tuesday, July 30, dress as your favorite animal in "Summer Safari" at 1 p.m. On Tuesday, Aug. 6, dress as your favorite monster during a "Monster Menagerie" at 1 p.m. On Wednesday, Aug. 7, dress as, or bring a representation of, favorite place of adventure "Ticket to Adventure" at 7 p.m. Prizes include baskets with school supplies, puzzles, snacks, crafts, stickers.
Pastor Roucka encourages area residents with kids to come have fun with reading this summer.
"School starts extra early, but reading can be a lifelong joy that we can all learn to love," Pastor Roucka said. "Grace wants to reach our whole community with this joy, and provide help and something new at the same time. Everyone is welcome."
For more information about the Grace Lutheran Church Summer Reading Program, visit graceoflilylake.com or call (630) 365-6751.