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Local advocacy group offers free books at Summer Book Fair – Chico Enterprise-Record
CHICO — Teaching literacy is one of the greatest gifts for children. Giving them free books to start them on their way makes it even better.
Valley Oak Children’s Services is a nonprofit organization with the stated mission of supporting children and families by way of health, education, advocacy, resources and training. To aid in that effort, the group will host its Summer Book Fair at its offices at 3120 Cohasset Road, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The books available to all ages will be free of charge.
“We started this event about 10 years ago,” explained Valley Oak CEO Karen Marlatt. “Families are nervous about coming in to our offices. So, an introduction to literature is the best way to start the conversation.”
Valley Oak will give away 1,000 books at the event, but that’ll be just a part of the day’s festivities.
The Chico Children’s Museum plans to host some of its activities at the fair, while the Butte County Library’s Family Literacy Coach — historically, the Bookmobile — will be open and available, with resources for adult and child literacy.
Local merchant Learning Express Toys and Gifts will offer prizes to attendees, who can also enjoy refreshments from Chico Natural Foods Co-Op.
“We have a literacy program which operates any time our offices are open,” said Valley Oak’s Alex Reynaga. “The library is in the back of our office and families can get books anytime they want.”
With the book fair, Reynaga added, “We want to spread the sense that literacy is fun for parents and kids, and super accessible — not challenging to find. We realize that making time for reading (for families) is difficult with school and work.”
Offering books from its library smooths the way for people to visit in a relaxed setting.
“They can get not only the book resources, but other resources we offer. They’ll get to see our offices,” Reynaga said.
“We want to make sure every kid can experience what a book fair is like because not all of them have resources to do it. We’ll make it more of an activity day than just a stop-and-go.”
Marlatt said of the families they serve: “We’re engaging them the moment they walk in, to make it a little easier for them to ask for help.”
While there’s no cost to attend, Vernaga said all attendees must sign up before registration closes at 9 p.m. Monday. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-book-fair-tickets-626533256837 to get event tickets.
