“Let’s Communicate!” is the April theme of Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, located at 202 N. Park St., Cortez, CO.

Storytime is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for preschool-aged children.  Older children are welcome to join us for the craft at 11:15 a.m.

“Babar, An Old Friend” is the subject on Thurs., Apr. 3rd.

“Signing with Lillian Orbke” will be introduced on Thurs., Apr. 10th.

“Mudge Redux” will be discussed on Thurs., Apr. 17th.

The Storytellers will wrap up the month with “Fairies” on Thurs., Apr. 24th.

Raising Readers Storytime offers songs, stories, crafts and silliness and uses the Early Childhood Literacy Initiative program. For more information, contact the library at 970-565-8117.

Attention all four-year-olds! Come by the Cortez Public Library between April 7th and April 21st and receive a free book courtesy of the Colorado State Library. One Book 4 Colorado, now in its third year, will give out the same book, over 75,000, across Colorado. The book giveaway is part of a push for early literacy in the state.

“One Book 4 Colorado is the result of collaboration between the Office of Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia, Serve Colorado, the Denver Preschool Program, Reach Out and Read Colorado, the Colorado State Library, public libraries, the private sector and the foundation community. It is modeled after the successful Preschool One Book One Denver program originated by the Denver Preschool Program and presented by Denver Public Library, and Reach Out and Read Colorado. Both programs are premised on the idea that providing young children with access to quality books promotes early literacy and helps families serve as their children’s first and most important teachers.” (From a 2013 press release from Gov. Hickenlooper’s office.)

The Cortez Public Library is located at 202 N. Park St., Cortez, CO. and can be reached by calling 970-565-8117.

MECC and community partners are excited to be planning the 5th Annual Early Childhood Fair and Celebration.  The fair is a FREE and fun event for families with young children where various health screenings are offered, fun activities, entertainment and so much more.

If you would like to showcase your services or help out at the fair, please contact Tyra.

We hope to see you there!

Save the date! Bring the family and show up for a fun evening!

What: Family Movie Night to Benefit the Bridge Emergency Shelter

When: Friday, March 14, 2014 at 6-8pm

Where: Trinity Lutheran Church

     208 North Dolores Rd., Cortez, Colorado

Movie showing: “Because of Winn Dixie” (rated PG)

Extra details: movie is free, and food will be available for purchase.  Donations are encouraged, as well. Bring a comfy chair, sleeping bags, blankets, and/or beanbag chairs if you wish!

COMING TO THE CORTEZ LIBRARY  Feb. 27, 10:30 AM

Author Melanie Milburn will be sharing her original kid’s songs and her new kid’s book which will be available for purchase.

“Imagination…It’s Up to You!” is a newly released children’s book by Melanie Milburn from Durango, and illustrated by Cindy Coleman, also from the Durango area.

This book was originally a song, and inside the back cover of the book you have a CD of Melanie singing the song.

As a preschool teacher, Melanie encourages the children to enter into the wonderful world of make-believe using their imagination during their play time.  Follow the five children as they journey through the book discovering there truly are no limits in the magical land of make believe.

You probably remember Melanie’s first children’s picture book, “I Love You More…Than Chocolate!”  This book was also first a song, and prior to that it was a bed time ritual for Melanie and her daughter.  Melanie made sure her daughter knew she was loved, and told her she loved her more than anything, even chocolate.  Her daughter knew Melanie was a chocoholic, so she knew she was very loved!

Melanie is an award winning song writer, and when she is not teaching preschool, she enjoys sharing her songs at family concerts.  Melanie is available to come to your location for a book signing, a musical story time or both.

Melanie can be reached at melaniemilburn16@gmail.com, or 970.769.4751 to answer your questions or to schedule a visit.