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Starkville’s Annual Reading Railroad Event Brings Joy to Local Kids

Children at the Starkville Reading Railroad event selecting books and engaging in crafts

News Summary

The Annual Reading Railroad event at Starkville Sportsplex celebrated reading, attracting over 100 children who engaged with enchanting stories and enjoyed crafts. Organized by the Starkville Junior Auxiliary to promote childhood literacy, participants had the chance to pick free books, supporting their love for reading. Highlights included storytelling sessions and crafts, fostering joy and community bonds while addressing the need for accessible reading materials for families.

Starkville’s Annual Reading Railroad Event Brings Joy to Local Kids

In the heart of Starkville, a delightful event unfolded at the Starkville Sportsplex that celebrated the joy of reading and provided a fantastic opportunity for local children to dive into the world of books. The Annual Reading Railroad event was a resounding success, with more than 100 children coming together to explore the magic of stories and connect with literature in a fun and engaging way.

A Treasure Trove of Books

As children filled the venue, excitement was palpable. One of the highlights of the day was a live storytelling session led by Shaina Kemp-Jefferson, a dedicated fourth-grade teacher at Henderson Ward Stewart. She captivated her young audience with a selection of enchanting tales, including “The Couch Potato”, “The Big Cheese”, and the classic “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister. Laughter and gasps filled the air as the kids listened intently and imagined vibrant worlds painted by words.

Throughout the event, children had the opportunity to choose their very own free books to take home, a chance not often available to many families in the area. The carefully curated selection of books was organized by age range, ensuring that there were options for everyone—from infants to young adults. While some books were brand new, others were gently used, adding character and history to the collection.

Crafts, Snacks, and More!

In addition to the literary treasures, children enjoyed creating colorful crafts and munching on tasty snacks that were provided to enhance the festive atmosphere. The mix of creativity and storytelling created an event full of joy and learning, truly embracing the spirit of childhood curiosity. The day wasn’t just about reading; it was also about fostering a love for books and promoting childhood literacy in our community.

Support for Childhood Literacy

The Reading Railroad event is organized by the Starkville Junior Auxiliary and has been running strong for five years, demonstrating a continued commitment to uplifting the community. Many families learned about the event through word of mouth and local outreach efforts aimed at addressing the need for more books in children’s homes. It is well-known that numerous children in the area lack access to reading materials, making this event a crucial initiative.

As an added benefit, participants also had the chance to sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This amazing program ensures that children receive an age-appropriate book delivered to their homes on a monthly basis, further supporting literacy development right from their early years.

Building Foundations for Future Readers

Mary Mitchell Hill, the project chair for the event, emphasized the critical role that books play in a child’s development. She highlighted that having access to a variety of reading materials at a young age builds a strong foundation for future literacy skills. This initiative aims to ignite a passion for reading that can carry throughout a child’s educational journey.

Among the excited attendees was 9-year-old Dalia Smith, who delightedly picked out “The Bad Guys” by Aaron Blabey from the chapter book table, showcasing the vibrant interests of local children. Parents, like Godfred Inkoom, expressed gratitude for the event, as most of their home collection consisted of older stories. This gathering allowed families to refresh their libraries with new and engaging reads.

Continuing the Tradition

As the day came to a close, the smiles on the children’s faces and the stacks of books in their arms said it all: the Annual Reading Railroad event once again succeeded in making a significant impact in Starkville. This gathering not only sparked happiness but also strengthened community bonds through the shared love of reading. Here’s to many more years of this cherished tradition that nurtures our future readers and dreamers!