Danville and San Ramon Libraries present KidsReads 2013:

We are pleased to present the seventh annual KidsReads 2013 from April 6 – April 27 at Danville, San Ramon and Dougherty Station Libraries. Based on the successful CityReads program for adults offered in San Ramon and Danville every fall, we host a program especially for our young readers. With funding from Target, San Ramon Library Foundation and Danville Friends of the Library, we have purchased copies of Louella Mae, She’s Run Away! by award winning author of over a dozen books, Karen Beaumont. Starting April 6, all three participating libraries will be distributing copies of this book, while supplies last, to children free of charge. We hope that the book will be shared with friends and neighbors because we want as many people in San Ramon and Danville reading the same book at the same time to encourage community literacy, to celebrate reading and writing, and for families to experience together this sweet and fun to read picture book. Due to the expected popularity of the program we anticipate that the free books will disappear quickly so we can only offer one book per family or classroom while supplies last, but keep in mind books are meant to be shared!

KidsReads 2013 will launch with a special kick-off party on Saturday, April 6 from 1:00 – 3:00pm at Blackhawk Plaza Rotunda in Danville. Everybody is invited to this free and extraordinary event featuring fun activities including a puppet show performed by Puppet Art Theater Co., face painting, and a scavenger hunt! This event is generously sponsored by Blackhawk Plaza, Friends of the Danville Library and San Ramon Library Foundation.

The Young Writers Challenge encourages kids to express themselves through the written word. In this year’s book,  Louella Mae has run away and no one knows where to find her. Did you ever feel like getting away to another place? Describe your perfect, quiet hiding place– real or imagined. Be creative! Entries accepted until Friday, April 19 at Danville, Dougherty Station or San Ramon Libraries. This is a creative writing challenge for elementary students and we encourage everyone to do their very best work. Entries will be displayed in the library and some kids will be chosen to share their writing on Saturday, April 27, during a visit from the KidsReads author, Karen Beaumont. This is not a competition! Everyone who turns in their writing at any of the libraries will receive a small prize.

On Tuesday, April 16 at 6:30pm at Dougherty Station Library celebrate KidsReads with Find Louella Mae crafts. Crafts are appropriate for ages 6 and up, and available while supplies last.

On Saturday, April 27 at 2:00 pm the Libraries are honored to host the KidsReads 2013 author, Karen Beaumont, for the concluding program.  Ms. Beaumont is a well-known picture book author with many popular titles including “Move Over, Rover!,” “Baby Danced the Polka,” “I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More!” and of course, “Louella Mae, She’s Run Away!”  As part of Ms. Beaumont’s book reading and visit we will also have an opportunity to hear student authors read the work they submitted as part of our Young Writers Challenge. You will be amazed by the talent of San Ramon Valley students. The concluding KidsReads author event will take place at the Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center at 10550 Albion Road in San Ramon. Tickets are not required and the event is free.

For additional information about KidsReads 2013, and the events we are offering visit the library or our website. Danville Library is located at 400 Front Street, San Ramon Library is located at 100 Montgomery Street and Dougherty Station Library is located at 17017 Bollinger Canyon Road. For more information, call Danville Library at 925-837-4889, San Ramon Library at 925-973-2850, Dougherty Station Library at 925-973-3380 or visit the library website at ccclib.org.