Celebrate Library Appreciation Month - Hop on the Book Bus!
(TRAVERSE CITY) - A special new vehicle just appeared on the road - a BATA/TADL Book Bus! Not only will the bus promote reading on the outside, riders will be able to select books from “Little Free Bus Library” seat holders on the bus itself.
This new effort is to help keep reading and literacy top of mind for the community, and help make books and materials available for everyone - even if there isn’t a library building nearby. “Unfortunately Michigan ranks in the bottom 10 of US states when it comes to literacy,” TADL Library Director Michele P. Howard said. “We know reading every day makes a huge difference so we’re trying new approaches to keep books in front of readers throughout our area.”
Thanks to a generous local donor, over the summer TADL was able to give out over 700 books to local children and teens - with an emphasis on students in reading intervention programs. The library will be continuing that effort into the school year, and plans are underway to give out books during the downtown Light Parade. Additionally, BATA will be installing a new Little Free Library at the Hall Street Transfer Station in October.
“We really appreciate BATA’s teamwork with us on this important issue,” Howard said. “Reading is not only a topic for school children, it’s crucial to our economy. Adults must also be able to read well to complete a job application, read safety manuals, and understand what they read. If you know someone who isn’t a strong reader please encourage them. It’s never too late to be a great reader!”
Literacy & Economics Facts & Figures from The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy (https://www.barbarabush.org/)
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Improving adult literacy would have enormous economic benefits. Bringing all adults to the equivalent of a sixth grade reading level would generate an additional $2.2 trillion – or 10% of GDP – in annual income for the country.
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Income is strongly related to literacy. The average annual income of adults who read at the equivalent of a sixth grade level is $63,000. This is significantly higher than adults who read at a third to fifth grade level, who earn $48,000, and much higher than those at the lowest levels of literacy, who earn just $34,000 on average.
Additional featured events at the library this October include:
Call for Chefs for the Chili Cook-Off Sun. Oct. 20 (1 pm)
Do you have an award winning Chili recipe? Our registration is now open! With beans, without, vegetarian, vegan...anything goes. The public, your fellow chili chefs and local firefighters decide what they believe is the best.chili.ever. (Or at least this year). Register now! (space is limited) https://www.tadl.org/callforchefs
10/10 - World Sight Day, 2 pm
Join us for an afternoon of games designed for individuals with low vision or blindness in the McGuire Room from 2:30-4:30. Participants can engage in interactive Braille-based activities and low-vision-friendly games. This is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and have fun while raising awareness of the importance of eye care.
10/14 - Indigenous Peoples' Day Storytime at the Dennos Museum, 11 am
10/14 - Adult Escape Room, 6 pm
10/19 - Improv Comedy Show for Kids & Families, 11 am
10/25 - Teen Fall Costume Party! 6:30 - 9 pm (Must register at tadl.org/events)
10/29 - Lord of the Gourd Pumpkin Carving Demonstration, 4 - 7 pm (Atrium)
10/31 - Halloween Parade, 11 am
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