Now in its 15th year, free community events will take place on October 19 and 20
MONTCLAIR, NJ (October 5, 2023) — The Montclair Public Library invites the community to attend the 15th annual “Little Read,” a series of events in which guest readers climb into the iconic big red chair and read stories aloud to schoolchildren and families. This celebration of literacy encourages sharing stories, building community, and cultivating a love of reading. Funds raised through sponsorships, organized by the Montclair Public Library Foundation, support children’s programming at the Library throughout the year, including the Summer Reading program.
“We love the Little Read because it gives us a chance to show our youngest students how much the entire community supports their reading journey,” says Library Director Janet Torsney.
The Little Read begins with visits to the library by local schoolchildren and culminates in the following events, which are free and open to the public.
Bellevue Avenue Branch, 185 Bellevue Avenue
Bring a blanket and join us on the lawn for stories read by special guests from the community. Weather permitting. Registration not required, but recommended.
– Babytime (ages birth-23 months) – 10:15 a.m. and 1 p.m.
– Listen on the Lawn (ages birth-5 years) – 11 a.m.
– Afternoon Storytime (ages birth-5 years) – 3 p.m.
Friday, October 20, 6:30 p.m.
Main Library, 50 S. Fullerton Avenue
Little Read Party with special performer Fyütch (all ages)
Celebrate 15 years of The Little Read! Special guests from the community will climb into the iconic big red chair to read stories aloud. Fyütch will perform songs that educate, entertain, and empower the next generation through a combination of hip-hop and visual storytelling. Fyütch’s performance is funded by the Essex County NJ Clean Communities Grant. Registration not required, but recommended.
The Little Read is made possible through the generosity of our sponsors:
Picture Book Sponsor: Scholastic
Nursery Rhyme Sponsors: Rosemary Iversen, Montclair Speech Therapy
Reading Buddy Sponsors: East Side Mags, Itsy Bitsy Dental, Kurly Kurtosh, Montclair Cooperative School, Montclair Orthodontics, Montclair Tutoring, Pigtails & Crewcuts, Tutor Shack, Watchung Booksellers, West of Hudson Real Estate, YMCA of Montclair
Friend Sponsors: Brinker International, Gina Chung Fortt and Jon Fortt
Media Sponsor: Macaroni KID
Founded in 1893, the Montclair Public Library serves the residents of Montclair, New Jersey. It has two facilities: the Main Library at 50 S. Fullerton Avenue and the Bellevue Avenue Branch at 185 Bellevue Avenue. The Library has been changing lives every day for over 125 years through words, ideas, and community building by providing unlimited opportunities for lifelong learning, discovery, and community engagement. Visit montclairlibrary.org for more information.