The Joy of Reading: Celebrate Read Across Iowa this March!
Help instill the joy of reading to children of all ages by celebrating Read Across Iowa this March! Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach in Polk County will host several story times at various Polk County libraries throughout the month to share the joy of reading with children of all ages. Read Across Iowa, which coincides with National Reading Month, is a special month-long celebration to help motivate children to read and offer tips and resources on how to best incorporate reading every day.
Read Across Iowa Library Story Times
Join ISU Extension in Polk County for one of eight story times where each celebration will feature a book with an agriculture theme and a hands-on activity. Families will also receive a free book at the events!
When:
- Monday, March 3, 10:00 a.m. at the East Side Library
- Tuesday, March 4, 6:00 p.m. at the Runnells Library
- Thursday, March 6, 10:00 a.m. at the Grimes Library
- Monday, March 17, 10:00 a.m. at the Johnston Library
- Tuesday, March 18, 6:00 p.m. at the Runnells Library
- Monday, March 24, 4:30 p.m. at the Johnston Library (registration required)
- Wednesday, March 26, 11:00 a.m. at the Mitchellville Library
- Thursday, March 27, 10:00 a.m. at the Ankeny Library
Cost: Free!
Read Across Iowa is organized as a collaborative effort between the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and Iowa 4-H Youth Development.
Instill the Joy of Reading from Home!
If you can’t make it to one of the Read Across Iowa events, you can still pass along the joy of reading from home.
“Throughout the month of March, the Polk County Extension office will share tips and resources on our Facebook page to instill the love of reading with children of all ages,” said Virginia Atwell, family life educator with ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County. “Encouraging children to read, especially at a young age, sets them up for success in school, work, and beyond.”
About Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Polk County
For over 100 years, ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County has served its residents by connecting them to research and resources developed by Iowa State University. Knowledge and programs offered through the ISU Extension Polk County office have been specifically tailored to represent, enhance, and meet the needs of Polk County residents and community. For 2025 ISU Extension in Polk County will focus on local issues including: K-12 youth outreach; family and food; and agriculture and the environment. ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County is a part of a 99-county campus backed by research to serve all Iowans to create a strong Iowa.