Wyoming Reads celebrates literacy with area first graders

Crook County first graders from Hulett, Moorcroft and Sundance gathered at the Crook County School District central office gym on Tues., May 21 for the 19th annual Wyoming Reads celebration in Crook County. Due to the rainy weather, it was moved from the traditional Devils Tower location.

After a sack lunch, area coordinator Bonnie Stahla, Crook County Library Director, read the story of The Good Queen Sue in memory of Sue Jorgensen with the help of all the first graders. Part of the entertainment included a readers' theater of Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman performed by Bonnie Stahla; Tonia Blakeman, Crook County Youth Services Librarian; Shannon Weaver, Crook County Adult Services Librarian; Lacey Rasco, Youth Services Librarian Moorcroft Branch Library; Jenni Palm, Youth Services Librarian Hulett Branch Library and Amanda Speidel, Sundance Elementary Librarian.

The students then participated in a team LEGO building challenge and some fun relay races. Books, summer reading fliers, stickers, bookmarks and cookies were then handed out by librarians and teachers.

Earlier this year, children had the opportunity to choose which book they would like to receive from the following options:

• A is for Axolotl by Catherine Macorol

• Chester Van Chime Who Forgot How to Rhyme by Avery Monsen

• Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion by Stephen W. Martin

• Love Rules: A Family's True Story of Adoption & Unconditional Love by Andrea Melvin, Dave Eaton, & Michael Clark, Jr.

• Pizza: A Slice of History by Greg Pizzoli

• Rick the Rock of Room 214 by Julie Falatko

• The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Mac Barnett

• Viking Strong by Doug Cenko

• We Are Going to Be Pals! by Mark Teague

• We Don't Lose Our Class Goldfish by Ryan T. Higgins

The most popular book chosen by the children was Fluffy McWhiskers.

Wyoming Reads celebrations focus on the joy of reading, highlighted by each child receiving a hardback book with their name printed inside the cover, donated by the Sue Jorgensen Library Foundation.

John Jorgensen established the Sue Jorgensen Library Foundation in 1996 and founded the Casper Cares, Casper Reads festival to honor his late wife's commitment to children and reading. The celebration was expanded statewide as Wyoming Reads in 2006.

This year's event follows the state's recent recognition of the non-profit's significant impact on youth literacy in Wyoming. On March 5, 2024, Governor Gordon signed legislation to make every third Tuesday in May "Wyoming Reads Day," an official state holiday. The legislation was sponsored by Representative Art Washut during the 2024 Wyoming Legislative budget session earlier this year.

Partners in this year's Wyoming Reads celebration include the Wyoming Community Foundation, the Rotary Club of Casper, the McMurry Foundation, the Tom & Helen Tonkin Foundation, the Natrona County Library, and many more generous donors.