Nothing builds excitement for readers like opening a new book. We discover a love of books at an early age, but not every child has access to people and materials to help them learn to read. March’s National Reading Month shines a spotlight on that fact. And locally the Child Care Action Council brings attention to their children’s literacy programs that not only translate into better lives for readers but are also fun.

On March 22, 2025, CCAC is hosting a free “Reading Roundup Country Fair” for families at the Thurston County Fairgrounds. And on March 26, 2025, the council is sponsoring an “Adventures in Early Learning – Every Child Has a Story” fundraiser luncheon at the Lacey Community Center.

Dolly Parton reading a book to four kids. She has her arm around one of them
The Child Care Action Council participates in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which mails free books to children from birth to age 5 who live in Thurston and Mason counties. You can support this and other early literacy programs at the council’s March 26, 2025 fundraiser. Photo courtesy: Child Care Action Council

The fair and luncheon are just two of the Child Care Action Council’s programs and events supporting children’s literacy in Thurston, Mason and Grays Harbor counties. The council invites the community to join them in their ongoing and new efforts to get books and the love of reading in the hands and hearts of area children.

“I love to give away books,” says Child Care Action Council Family Services Program Manager Tovi McClellan. ‘And there’s an extra focus on it in March, and opportunities for parents. Parents are so thrilled when they get a free book, and the kids get so excited. You can’t put a price on sitting and talking and reading to a child.”

Child Care Action Council’s Early Literacy Programs Serve Important Needs of Area Children Learning to Read

McClellan says literacy readiness does not mean that a child starts kindergarten as a reader. Instead, it means the child has the tools that help them learn to read, such as the ability to identify shapes. New kindergartners with that kind of knowledge make connections important to literacy, like understanding that the capital letter “A” looks like a triangle. These early steps are the beginning of their literacy journey on the road to academic success. “Getting kids kindergarten-ready with early literacy is important,” says Child Care Action Council Grants Manager Danielle King.

However, King says 2024-2025 school year data shows that 23% of Thurston County children arrive in kindergarten without early literacy readiness. The figure is 31% in Mason County and 36% in Grays Harbor County. That’s why CCAC provides several local literacy programs to prepare children to read and sustain them once their reading takes off. “The children know someone cares enough about sharing reading, and the importance of that,” says McClellan of these programs.

  • “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library” for children living in Thurston and Mason counties mails books monthly to children from birth to age 5. The free, high quality, age-appropriate books arrive in their mailboxes, to help build a home library. “Getting a book in the mail is so exciting,” says McClellan.
  • “Raising a Reader” in Grays Harbor County helps children from birth through age 5 to develop, practice, and maintain habits of reading together at home, while teaching them about book lending. This program involves educators, parents, and librarians in a coordinated “read-aloud” effort.
  • “Kaleidoscope Play and Learn Groups” in Thurston, Mason and Grays Harbor counties for ages birth to 5 and caregivers/parents involves facilitators leading story time, songs, games and art activities, and includes book give aways.
  • “Parents as Teachers” in Mason County is a free home visitation program that provides services and free books for children from birth to age 5.
a man sits in a leather chair with a kids on his lap reading a book
Families are invited to the Reading Roundup Country Fair at the Thurston County Fairgrounds Heritage Hall on March 22, 2025. The free event spotlighting the importance of early literacy features carnival-themed games, and book giveaways as prizes. Photo courtesy: Child Care Action Council

Get Involved With the Child Care Action Council by Donating, Becoming a Sponsor, Volunteering, Serving on the Board, and Attending Events

The Child Care Action Council makes it easy for parents, childcare professionals, employers, school and government representatives and others to “Get Involved” by providing lots of ways to support the council’s early childhood programs. They include donating, becoming a sponsor, volunteering, serving on the board, and attending events like the two that recognize National Reading Month in March.

The March 22 “Reading Roundup Country Fair” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Thurston County Fairgrounds Heritage Hall focuses on young readers and their families, although it’s open to everyone. McClellan says this new free event features games like ring toss and cake/cupcake walk, plus a reading gazebo, popcorn, and other carnival-themed activities, with book-related prizes. “It will be very kid friendly,” she adds. “It’s a fun time for parents and kiddos to celebrate reading literacy.” Details will be posted on the Child Care Action Council website.

March 26 is the “Adventures in Early Learning – Every Child Has a Story” fundraiser with lunch, speaker and silent auction from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lacey Community Center. Tickets, plus sponsorship and donation opportunities, are available now. Funds raised will support the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Raising a Reader.

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