Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy once said, “There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all.”
    Lisa Moreland, director of the Caldwell Public Library, is organizing the second annual Sumner County Literacy Fair for that purpose.
    The Literacy Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 17 at the Raymond Frye Complex in Wellington. 
    All parents and children, day care providers and preschools, and all other interested persons are invited to attend the event from across Sumner County, Moreland said.
    The event is geared for children from birth to five years old, and famed children’s musician Bongo Barry Bernstein is scheduled to perform at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m at the Raymond Frye Complex in Wellington.
    His literacy program, entitled "Looking for Wild Things," is based on Maurice Sendak's book, Where the Wild Things Are.  Accompanied by several musical instruments which the kids in the audience play themselves, Bongo Barry’s music is also available by CD.
    “It's fast-paced, interactive, and educational,” Moreland said.  “After seeing Bongo Barry once, the kids won’t forget him and will be looking forward to seeing him again next year.”
    Every kid who attends the Literacy Fair will get a free book, and several other promotional and educational items will be available for parents at the event. 
    Kids will participate in several art projects, games, and entertainment through the day, and snacks will also be provided.
    Moreland said one room of the Raymond Frye will also be made into a changing room and mother’s area for infants, allowing for some privacy or quiet time.
    The event is one Moreland says she looks forward to every year, and she is appreciative of the many community partners who support the project.
    If your business would like to support the Sumner County Literacy Fair, contact Moreland at (620) 845-6879.