Cheryl Booker Walker, 2nd District County Commissioner, and her dog Booker kicked off the 20th anniversary of The Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation by reading a a book. The mascot for GELF, which includes Imagination Library, is an owl named Booker. Booker the owl is celebrating his 20th Birthday Bash by touring Tennessee. Booker’s flight was grounded so his Cousin Reed and Cousin Page celebrated on his behalf.
After visiting with the Union County Bookers, Page and Reed hosted Read S’more at the Union County Book Bus. Dr. Lauren Effler, Union County Supervisor of Instruction, and Martha Warwick, Family Resource Center Director, along with Sarah Maness, HMMS Teacher, and Marilyn Toppins, Heritage Festival Director, coordinated the event.
Children of all ages were treated to free books and a package of graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars to make s’mores. The celebration included giving away 378 books to promote early literacy and the development of home libraries. Research has shown that a child needs access to about 100 books to form the necessary skills to master reading. Each child boarded the Book Bus, painted with Union County scenes by famous artist Aurora Harrison Bull.
Booker plans to try another airline in October to celebrate Booker’s Birthday Bash at the Union County Heritage Festival on October 5 at Wilson Park. Everyone is welcome to stop by the Imagination Library booth for free books, bookmarks and stickers, and to meet Booker.