Special+Events

Special Events This sections presents information on three special events organized for the SRP. The information relates to -
 * A description of each event
 * The cost to the library
 * Volunteers and staff needed
 * How the events will be marketed and advertised
 * Types of displays that would support each event (if applicable)

Event One : **Reading Picnic/Treasure Hunt**

To promote reading as a family activity.
 * Objectives**: To promote reading as a social event.


 * Time allotted**: 30 minutes


 * Description**:

This activity entails having children and caregivers engage in an outdoors reading session. The Wilbert McIntyre park near the library is an ideal setting for this activity. Registration would be required for this event. Essentially, this event will take the form of a picnic with reading in small and large group. The small group activity is Round Robin Read. This basically entails forming groups who seat together. The number per group is not fixed. One volunteer is assigned to each group to read a story. Volunteers rotate between groups until they get back to their first group. This activity is timed hence this has implication for the type of story selected by readers. The number and size of groups is dependent on the number of children registered. A large group activity is the sharing of a story with different readers involved in the actual reading. A story with different characters is ideal for this. A treasure hunt would be a fun addition to this event. Children search for tokens that are hidden. The individual with the most tokens will be rewarded. Other participating children will be given stickers depicting reading slogans. This event could be used to herald the official start of the SRP. Refreshments will be provided and funded by activities of the Friends of the Library. A possible outline for the event is provided below.

Welcome Large group activity Break- for snacks Small group activity-Round Robin Read Song/dance Activity- Treasure Hunt Closing Song- I love to Read


 * Cost**:$100 (Cost of Refreshments)


 * Volunteers and Library Staff**:

The number of volunteers needed will dependent on registration figures for the event. Their role would be to act as readers in both the small and large group reading activities. In the treasure hunt they would act as safety monitors and judges.


 * Marketing and Advertisements**

Information regarding this event will be place on the library's website, posters will be sent to day care centers and placed near the book display depicting books with a picnic theme. Reference staff will promote the event by word of mouth when they interact with parents at the library.

Books with a picnic theme would be displayed in the children's area. This would also be accompanied by a definition of the word **picnic** along with the materials displayed. Sample of Books to be used:
 * Display Needed**:
 * Picnic by Emily Arnold McCully
 * The Picnic by Ruth Brown
 * A Picnic Adventure by Lisa Gallo
 * Franklin's Picnic by Sharon Jennings
 * Dora's Picnic by Christine Ricci
 * We're Going on a Picnic by Pat Hutchins

Event Two : **Dress Up**- **My Favourite Book Character**


 * Objectives**: To promote family involvement in reading


 * Time allotted**: one hour

This event entails individual children or whole families dressing up as favourite book/story characters. At the time of registration, families would indicate whether they would be willing to share or depict some aspect relating to their favourite story character. The latter could take the form of a dramatization, oral retelling of a specific part, a song or poem. Individual children can participate as well. The length of each presentation would be timed for 5 minutes but this is also dependent on the number of participants. Prizes will be awarded in two categories. The first, best family depiction and the second, best individual depiction of a book character. The latter will specifically target individual children. The prizes will entail family dinners, cinema passes and gift cards from target sponsors (see budget). Library staff and volunteers will decide the prize winners in both categories. This will be based on visual representation of the book character and creative depiction as well. Photographs will be taken at this event then posted on the library's website. Posters stating the latter will be displayed at entry points of the activity. Important to note, this activity is an extension of the family literacy projects taking place throughout the SRP. Funding for refreshments for this event will be from fundraising activities undertaken by Friends of the Library.
 * Description**:


 * Cost**:$100 (Cost of refreshments)

Library staff and volunteers will be needed to judge the various book character costumes and creative display. The number of individuals needed will depend on the number of individuals attending and participating in the event.
 * Volunteers and Library Staff**

This event will be marketed and advertised by library staff via word of mouth and poster displays. Additionally, it will be included on the library's website alongside the weekly story trivia questions and family literacy projects being advertised.
 * Marketing and Advertisements**

Event Three : **Reading Fair**

To help generate continued interest in the value of family involvement in literacy
 * Objectives:** As a culminating event for the SRP


 * Time allotted**: Weekend (3hrs)

This event will be in partnership with the Center for Family Literacy (see rationale below). It will be organized similar to that of a fair, hence it will be an outside event. preferably in the park. This is a free and drop in event. Upon arrival, families will have the opportunity to sign up for a prize draw then they are free to roam the various booths and tents organized with different activities. Some possible activities are: This event would also be an excellent opportunity to publicly thank the corporate sponsors for their support.
 * Description**:
 * Storytime tent: A place where stories are read or told by volunteers
 * Writing reading messages on balloons to be released later and on Tshirts that can be worn
 * Information sessions every one hour. A possible topic - Online Reading Resources for children
 * Center for Family Literacy Booth- to provide information on the services provided
 * Stage action - featuring action songs like "Do your ears hang low" and "I went to the animal fair"; Story dramatization by volunteers; Poetry reading by winners from the poetry bash; Testimonials from winners of the Family literacy Project and a possible game show session similar to that of Jeopardy but the categories would be story genres.
 * Tent of Indoor games- tables with LEGO blocks, board games
 * Face painting depicting a favourite book character
 * A tent showcasing through pictures various activities which took place throughout the SRP
 * Books will be available for purchase with descriptions on how they can be used in family activities.


 * Cost**:$500 (tshirts, fabric glue, balloons, tent rental, miscellaneous items)

A large number of volunteers will be required for this event. The number will be dependent on the activities selected and their duration.
 * Volunteers and Library Staff**:


 * Marketing and Advertisements**: This event will be marketed on the library's website next to information for all the special events in the SRP.


 * Rationale for partnership with the Center for Family Literacy**

The Center for Family Literacy is an organization devoted to building the literacy skills of families. One way in which this is achieved is by working with organization with the same mandate such as libraries. In this special event, the center is primarily a financial supporter, in addition they may help with the information sessions which will take place on the day of the event. Ensuring children grow up to be literate begins with the family. Developing literacy is a concern for the Center of Family Literacy and so to the library which it has initiated by having family involvement as a key component of its events and programs throughout the SRP.