Siouxland Libraries Joins Worldwide Read for the Record® Event

Published on October 24, 2024

Siouxland Libraries is participating in the annual Read for the Record® event on Thursday, October 24. Jumpstart’s Read for the Record® is the world’s largest shared reading experience. This worldwide initiative encourages reading aloud to children and promotes literacy.

This year’s book is Piper Chen Sings by Grammy Award-Winning Hamilton star Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran. Mayor Paul TenHaken has recorded a special reading of this year’s featured book, which will be shared with classrooms and libraries throughout Sioux Falls. A virtual reading by a librarian will be available to watch live on the Siouxland Libraries Facebook Page at 11 a.m. on October 24.

“I always enjoy participating in Read for the Record® each year and sharing the joy of reading with some of our youngest community members,” TenHaken said. “Encouraging early literacy builds a strong foundation for kids before they go to kindergarten and throughout their academic journey. Readers are leaders!”

Read for the Record® annually raises awareness of the importance of early literacy and access to inclusive, high-quality books through shared reading. Over the course of 19 years, more than 28 million people have participated in Read for the Record®. Last year, almost 7,000 readers from the Siouxland Libraries system participated.

“Reading aloud to children is a wonderful way to spark their imagination and foster a love of learning,” Nicole Norton, K-5 Program Team Lead at Siouxland Libraries, said. “We’re thrilled to join communities across the world in celebrating Read for the Record®.”

In addition to the virtual reading, Siouxland Libraries will be hosting bookwalks at various branch locations throughout Minnehaha County and Sioux Falls during the week. Participants will also create collaborative posters and track participation.