Getting students to understand the power of reading is a challenge faced by many English and Literature teachers. In order to bring attention to the endeavor, Celebrate Literacy Week, now in its ninth year, is held throughout the state to encourage children and families to read from an early age to increase communication skills, socio-emotional bonds, and school readiness.

North Miami Mayor Smith Joseph joined the Just Read, Florida! Office, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), the Office of Early Learning, school districts, early learning coalitions, and numerous other state agencies for Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida. Mayor Joseph, in partnership with the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe, spent time with over 100 preschoolers at the North Miami Public Library on January 25 for a special reading of I Don’t Want to Be a Frog. The event included special character performances and each child received a free copy of the featured book.

For more information on children’s reading, visit the North Miami Public Library at 835 NE 132 Street, North Miami, FL 33161, call 305-891-5355, visit www.northmiamifl.gov/nomilibrary, and follow the Library on Facebook @NoMiLibrary.