Madison Reporter

The Madison Public Library is launching its Winter WE READ campaign, offering a variety of activities and resources for children and families. Starting December 16, visitors to any library location can enjoy new play materials, reading buddies, scavenger hunts, and more. Tammy Ocampo, the Youth Services Manager at Madison Public Library, highlighted the importance of providing warm indoor environments during winter where learning and engagement continue.

"During the winter, we know many families are looking for warm indoor environments where learning, growth, and engagement continue to happen," said Ocampo. "Our libraries are that space within the community where kids and families can come together to enjoy books and reading, art and making, play and exploration, and so much more! The winter WE READ program is built to help each family find something that works for where they're at right now."

The program aims to encourage literacy skills through various elements suitable for all ages. It builds on the Public Library Association's Every Child Ready to Read initiative by focusing on five key elements: reading, talking, playing, singing, and writing.

Activities include Reading Out Loud sessions with Reading Buddies available at most locations (except Alicia Ashman Library) to help children practice literacy in a stress-free environment. There are also Literacy Tips for Babies & Toddlers displayed on digital screens in libraries.

A Finding Feelings Scavenger Hunt encourages children to explore emotions with book lists available for guidance. Families can fill up their WE READ tote bags with recommended books or seek assistance from librarians for read-alikes.

An Early Literacy Calendar offers daily activities in both English and Spanish. Additionally, storytimes will be hosted throughout winter break; details are available online.

In addition to reading-focused activities, the library invites patrons to engage in Lotería games—a traditional Mexican game similar to Bingo—available until January 11. Two Lotería Game Parties will be held during Winter Break with refreshments provided.

The Create segment of WE READ includes art programs led by local artists or library staff supported by The Bubbler at Madison Public Library. These include open studio hours with Central’s Artist-in-Residence TetraPAKMAN among other events across different locations.

Madison Public Library continues its collaboration with Forward Madison and Wisconsin Book Festival through the WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest aimed at young writers aged 18 or under who submitted stories about Celebrating Small Heroes this year. Over 125 submissions were received; selected entries have been compiled into an anthology now available at all library branches as well as school libraries within Madison Metropolitan School District.

WE READ is supported by Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation along with contributions from several other organizations including Friends of the Madison Public Library Foundation.

For more information about programs offered under this initiative visit madpl.org/weread or follow @madisonpubliclibrary on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram.