The LaSalle Parish Library is pleased to announce that they were selected to host the Prime Time Family Reading program at their Jena location. The event is scheduled for one night a week for six weeks, which will take place on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on September 20th through October 25th. The program is targeted for ages 5 to 10 with siblings of all ages invited. The library is excited to announce that dinner will be provided as well as door prizes for attendance.

Dr. Debra Jo Hailey, assistant professor of Child and Family Studies at Northwestern State University, will serve in the educator role during the program with LaSalle Parish Library Children’s Librarian Donna Estis acting as storyteller. The two will work as a team to present the story and encourage each family to participate in the discussions that will follow.

“There’s something magical about sharing a good book with a child,” Dr. Hailey said. “Beyond the magic are also the advantages children gain from visiting places they may never visit in real life, expanding their vocabularies which prepares them to be better readers and making memories with a loved one which builds closer relationships. It’s a pretty sweet deal when you think about it!”

LaSalle Parish Library Director Andrea Book said the program is different than their usual reading programs because it includes the entire family unit.

“This program is structured to facilitate reading and discussion from participants, by asking open-ended questions after each story,” she said. “Participants are allowed to keep many of the books that we will read during the program. It is a great program to teach families how to dig into a story’s content for further interpretations, resulting in helping students with reading comprehension and critical thinking.”

The library is excited about hosting the program and families are encouraged to call and register. For more information and/or to register, call (318) 992-5675.