The Ignacio Community Library (ICL) kicks off its fourth Family Reading Circles program on March 10th. The six week program brings families together to share a meal and explore ways that they may enrich their children's lives through books and reading. ICL was just selected as one of fifteen libraries in the U.S. to participate in a Learning Community with Harvard and the Public Library Association. The learning community starts in late February and will highlight family engagement activities and share them with other public libraries around the country.

Family Reading Circles is provided in partnership with the Southern Ute Montessori and Head Start program. Families with children under the age of 9 are invited to stop by the library to sign up for the program that starts March 10th. After dinner, children participate in crafts, music and stories while their parents learn how to use themes of children's literature as conversation starters. They also learn about the way stories can be extended to engage children in creative and fun activities. Parents' comments include, "Discussions are always fun and provoking," "I never knew there was so much information in children's books," and "A great way to involve the kids with reading and the adults too!"

Family Reading Circles is just one of several ICL programs designed to bring families together to participate in fun learning activities. Others include Free Build Nights with Durango's Powerhouse Science Center in February and our Maker Mondays featuring the Library's 3-D printer.

Sign up for Family Reading Circles at the Ignacio Community Library or call 970-563-9287 for more information. Sessions are held on Thursdays March 10, 17, 24, April 7, 14, and 21 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. There is no cost for the program.

Leslee Shell,

Library Director