Literacy Night Thrills Canon-McMillan Students

There was a lot of horsin’ around at the Frank Sarris Public Library—but it was all in good fun as part of the 2013 Reading Round-Up!

Students in kindergarten through fourth grade attending a Canon-McMillan elementary school were invited to the two-night event.

The theme for the second annual literacy festival included country western themed stories, games, crafts, music, and prizes. Cowboys and cowgirls of all ages showed up for the event—even Canon-McMillan high school students from the National Honor Society and student council volunteered their time throughout the evening.

Just fewer than 200 elementary school students attended, along with their parents, guardians and siblings.

A sampling of activities included reading in a horse stall with a cowboy, western bingo, line dancing to live music and more.

Guessing games and raffle baskets (provided by Sarris Candies) were scattered throughout the children’s department.

Students who signed up for a library card were entered into a separate raffle and many students left with stacks of books to take home so that they can practice their literacy skills.

In addition, every student attending was given a book to take home to add to their own collection that was donated by library board member Thomas Stanko or Canon-McMillan Education Association.

Principals of each elementary building volunteered to read in the story-time room and then donated their books to the library. Canon-McMillan School District provided many of the craft supplies and giveaways the student received.

Spearheaded by Lynne Douglas, fifth-grade teacher at North Strabane Intermediate, and Rebecca Thompson, elementary librarian, this event was largely successful thanks to donation and sponsors, including Canon-McMillan Education Association, the Canon-McMillan School District, Sarris Candies, Weavertown Environmental Group, and the Southwest Pennsylvania Literacy Council.

Members of the Reading Round-Up committee include Roberta DeJohn, Cyndy Carroll, Kelly Keruskin, and Joyce Mason.

Students exiting the library after the event could be heard exclaiming, “I can’t wait until the next one!”