In addition to hearing stories, wee ones and parents enjoyed the Humane Society’s Paws to Read dogs, healthy snacks, books, prizes, crafts, a visit from firemen and their truck, milk and cookies, picture-taking in the photo booth and meeting a local author. Some children even got their first library cards!

Participants received a goody bag that contained literacy tips for parents, a book, a rubber ducky, an oral health kit, library information and more.

A variety of organizations were on hand with information and educational materials. Among them were Wee Talk, Hulafrog, Children’s Services Council of Martin County, 211, Whole Child Connection, Florida Department of Health Martin County, Martin County Library System and the Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin & Okeechobee Counties.

The Language & Literacy Connection envisions a future where all of Martin County’s children enter kindergarten ready to learn reading on grade level and graduate from high school prepared for college or career.

For more information, visit www.thelanguageandliteracyconnection.org or contact Julie Zygmun of Helping People Succeed at 772-320-0836 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..