Akron Children’s Museum in November welcomed local authors and community organizations in celebration of National Family Literacy Day. Museum visitors were treated to special appearances and interactive storytelling experiences with three local authors, who also were available for meet-and-greet sessions and book signings throughout the day.
The featured authors included: R.J. Davila, who shared his book “When Willie Got His Wheels”; Gloria Adams and her co-author on “Ah-Choo!,” Lana Wayne Koehler; and Lindsay Bonilla, who read her book, “Polar Bear Island.”
The National Family Literacy Day event also included a story walk, scavenger hunt and flannel board stories, in addition to the museum’s regular 22 interactive exhibits. Visitors were invited to dress as their favorite book character.
“Literacy is the foundation to success in society, so it’s important that we introduce it to the lives of young children as early as possible,” says Traci Buckner, the museum’s executive director.
Now in its fourth year, the Akron Children’s museum is on the verge of a significant expansion. According to Buckner, the museum’s existing 7,000-square-foot space will increase by an additional 3,000 square feet with the addition of more exhibits, a family restroom, a party room and a STEAM learning lab. A recently opened Monster Mission ninja course adds to the fun for visitors while helping to raise funds for the expansion.
The Monster Mission course and STEAM learning lab both appeal to older children, giving the museum more offerings for the 8- to 12-year-old age range, Buckner says.
The Akron Children’s Museum, 216 S. Main St., is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays. For more information, visit akronkids.org.