If there is one gift we can give our children that will guide them in every aspect of their lives, it's to help them discover the joy of reading. Reading opens doors of imagination, education and realization. It provides an escape for our minds, food for our intellect and helps us better understand this wondrous world in which we live.
In books, our children can go anywhere, be anyone and discover art, history, scripture and magic. They can travel to foreign countries, or fly to the moon. Through reading, our children will be better citizens, informed voters, and more equipped to inherit the earth.
In Payson, we are especially fortunate to have a wonderful library where all of these adventures and benefits are free for the asking.
Monday night, the library staff presented a Dr. Seuss celebration as part of the annual Read Across America Day.
Through the kind efforts of the Payson Library Friends, they were able to provided more than 70 door prizes to the many children who attended.
But perhaps the real prize was the fun the children had enjoying the Dr. Seuss books read by library volunteers, friends and staff.
Every child who attended also received a Dr. Seuss book bag, bookmark and word puzzles from the website www.seussville.com, where children can find many free Dr. Seuss games and activities.
The children and the library staff were thrilled with the community turnout.
"It's just a wonderful opportunity to provide a program that brings whole families into the library together -- not only to read, but to have fun," Librarian Terry Morris said. "For many families, both parents work, and by the time they get home, they can be tired. It's wonderful to have programs like this and a library for families to do things together. And best of all, it's free"
Assistant Librarian Margaret Jesus has a favorite quote that sits on her desk. It reads, "Libraries are an investment in a more literate, productive and globally competitive nation."
Our library can be the most valuable tool parents have to help children discover the joy of reading and prepare them for the challenges that surely lie ahead. We are grateful for this wonderful blessing in our community.