Beginning July 16, the Rock Island Police Department will partner with the Rock Island Public Library in a new childhood reading initiative called Police Read-Along.
As part of the library’s ongoing Toddler Tales storytime programming, members of the Rock Island Police Department will be featured as guest readers at select dates and branches, kicking off with the Library2Go at the Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center (RIFAC) Adventure Day Camp at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, July 16 at Longview Park, 1300 17th Street, Rock Island.
“The City of Rock Island recognizes how important early reading is to childhood development. Studies show that kids who are proficient readers by the end of the third grade are more likely to graduate from high school and to be economically successful in adulthood,” advises Police Chief Tim McCloud. “Given how critical reading is to a child’s individual achievement, the members of the Rock Island Police Department are excited to continue investing in our children by working hand in hand with our dedicated library staff.”
Rock Island Public Library Director Angela Campbell advises, "It's always extra-special to have guest readers at our storytimes, so we couldn't be happier with this new partnership! Most importantly, our police officers who are making time to read to children are teaching children that reading is important, which is an excellent life lesson."
Additional Police Read-Alongs will be offered at the following Rock Island Public Library storytimes:
• 10:30 am, Friday, July 26, at the Rock Island Watts-Midtown Branch, 2715 30th Street,
• 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 31, at the Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road,
• 10:30 am, Tuesday, August 13, and Friday, August 23, both at Watts-Midtown Branch, and
• 11:00 am, Wednesday, August 28, at the Southwest Branch.
All library Toddler Tales storytimes are free and open to families. Each offers stories and fun activities to introduce children ages 5 and under to reading and language.
For more information about library services and upcoming events, visit the library’s website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ, or follow the Rock Island Library Facebook and Instagram social media sites.
Rock Island Public Library, Read, Renew, Repeat: June 1 to July 31, 2024. All Ages summer reading challenge and special events focused on personal renewal, sustainability, and family fun. Participants earn rewards for reaching reading and activity goals.