Batavia Public Library program, experts encourages kids to take time to read

I love to read. For me, it is the true luxury in life.

When I go on vacation and have the time to read, I usually take four or five books with me. If the books are good, that number will last me two or three days. I am one of those people who will read all night rather than put the book down, if it is good.

I don't remember my mom reading to me as a child but I do remember weekly trips to the library where we would all check out books and talk about them during the week.

Sadly, some children don't know the joy that can be found in books. They have images created for them in videos and television rather than creating their own images from the words on the page. For some kids, books take time to read and they don't want to take the time.

On Oct. 2, the Batavia Mothers' Club, the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence, the Batavia school district library staffs and the Batavia Public Library youth services staff will come together to present, "Read Aloud and Be Proud" from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Batavia Public Library.

"This is not a program about teaching a child to read," said Nan Phillips, LRC director at Hoover Wood. "This is about teaching children to want to read."

The program will feature reading experts, including a video clip of Jim Trelease, who presents interesting research on the importance of reading. Trelease is the author of the New York Times best-seller, "Read Aloud Handbook."

This is a family event. You can enjoy the presentation while your kids go downstairs and enjoy their own presentation. They will make book related crafts, including a decorated box to keep your library books in. That would have been a good thing for our family. I once paid for a book that showed up months later under a floor board of this old house. From that point on we only checked out big books.

"Reading to your children is so important," added Phillips. "It develops independent language skills, listening, and reading comprehension."

Dan Russo, LRC director at Batavia High School, says parents who are strapped for time should look into books on tape.

"Put a books on tape in your car CD player and the whole family can enjoy a good book on a car trip," he said.

Hearing a book read can be just as important as reading it, at any age.

"I attended a conference where there were hundreds of people in a very large room," added Russo. "The speaker started reading the Polar Express and the audience was absolutely mesmerized."

Russo also believe that a book can help open the communication with teens.

"Sometimes parents find it hard to talk with teenagers," he said. "Discussing a book can be neutral ground."

Both Phillips and Russo believe that Harry Potter has really changed family reading in recent years.

"Harry Potter has made it cool to read and it is something that parents and kids can share," added Russo.

Phillips agreed.

"I told the kids that I didn't know how to pronounce Hermione when I read the book," said Phillips "but I wanted to know more about the character and I learned how to pronounce her name."

Besides the fact that a book can help you become a better student, a book can open up worlds you never knew existed. Plan to attend the "Read Aloud and Be Proud" Night as a family next Tuesday night. You may find that what you learn will be the greatest gift you can give your child.

If you go

What: Read Aloud and Be Proud event

When: 7 to 8 p.m. Oct. 2

Where: Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave.