It was a sunny day, perfect for reading, live music, arts and crafts, and the James R. Jordan Foundation's first Read with Me! family festival!
More than 700 children and families perused the festival's book "shop," which nearly overflowed with over 5,300 books for the community. Volunteers helped the shoppers choose age-appropriate literature, and the kids conferred among themselves about which books they'd recommend to their friends. After making their selections, the youngest festival-goers grabbed their parents' hands, led them to a quiet place, and sat down to read.
Families enjoyed games, arts and crafts, and face-painting at the activity tents set up throughout the park. The Chicago Public Library signed up children for their summer reading program, and the James R. Jordan Boys & Girls Club signed up children for their summer camp. Jumpstart, ING Cafe and Chicago Public Schools hosted literacy activities at their tents.
Andrea Salloum of Kidworks Touring Theatre Company kicked off the entertainment, leading the children in an African drum circle. Author Tim Magner talked to the kids about the environment, and invited festival-goers to check out his Truck Farm, which features a full vegetable and herb garden. Musician and educator Sandy Lucas had the kids form a band with her array of musical instruments, and entertainer Joel Frankel sang and played his guitar for the crowd. Quanica McClendon, author of Suit Shoes, and Roslyn Jordan, co-author of Did I Tell You I Love You Today, read their stories to the children gathered around the stage.
Every festival-goer, young and old alike, received a goody bag with museum passes, book marks, reading lights, and other literacy-related items.
“Too many children stop reading over the summer, which really means they stop learning,” said Deloris Jordan, Founder and President, James R. Jordan Foundation. “The goal of Read with Me! is to demonstrate that reading is more than something the kids have to do in school – reading is fun, and reading is something that the whole family can enjoy together.”
The children and families that attended Read with Me! left the festival loaded with books and eager to begin reading!
Thank you to the many generous individuals and organizations that donated more than 5,300 books for Read with Me!
57th Street Books
Barnes & Noble
Beyond Words Publishing
Chase
Green Sugar Press
Hug-a-Book
ING Direct Cafe
James R. Jordan Boys & Girls Club
The Lisa Libraries
Quanica McClendon
Moody Publishers
PNC Grow up Great
Scholastic Books
Simon & Schuster
Source Books
State Farm Insurance
Thank you to our event partners: