Library pushes to improve literacy in C.R.

'The Whole Town is Talking” is not merely a 2016 hit novel available at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. The title's sentiment expresses the buzz about the library's recently announced Take on Literacy initiative. As the library celebrates its 120th birthday, it is challenging the community to find unique, inspiring ways to improve literacy in Cedar Rapids. See www.CRLibrary.org for more details.

One of the best ways adults can promote literacy is to let children see them read. Cedar Rapids library patrons can set the example by enjoying fiction such as 'The Whole Town is Talking.” Reminiscent of Thornton Wilder's classic 'Our Town,” and her own 'Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe,” Fannie Flagg's imaginative tale of community life, the afterlife and everlasting love shines with her homespun humor and heartfelt honesty.

Another terrific new selection at the library is actress Taraji P. Henson's memoir, 'Around the Way Girl.” Star of the current No. 1 film 'Hidden Figures” and TV's 'Empire,” the Emmy Award winner and Academy Award nominee reveals the trials and tribulations she's experienced on her way to screen success, big and small. Her candid, lively writing style makes for a sizzling read.

One of the most obvious ways to improve literacy is to go to the library. Saturday is national 'Take Your Child to the Library Day.” Here, children can find great new non-fiction materials like 'Best in Snow” by April Pulley Sayre. A photographic wonder of a book, it illustrates the science of snow in a most poetic way. Youngsters also can build, invent, create and discover at the Maker Space at the library and pick up the latest info in 'Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects.” Ctrl-Alt-Create programs also are offered on a regular basis for kids.

And adding a spark to all literacy efforts, the creator of one of the most beloved children's book characters in recent years, Eric Litwin, author of the 'Pete the Cat” series, will speak at the Cedar Rapids library on April 4. A great program to look forward to, children can visit the library and immerse themselves in the many books in this series. The books feature a cool cat with a laid-back style and sport vivid illustrations. The author's appearance is part of another literacy initiative, 'One 2 Read,” spearheaded by Reading into Success, the local arm of The Campaign for Grade Level Reading. More details of this exciting initiative will become available soon.

l Melia Tatman is a librarian at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. For more information on library programs and materials, visit www.crlibrary.org