Granite Bay Library to host Read for the Record Thursday

Know and Go What: Read for the Record When: Thursday, 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Where: Granite Bay Library, 6475 Douglas Boulevard, Granite Bay Cost: Free Info: Visit folgranitebay.org In the children's book "Thank you, Omu!" by Oge Mora, a community comes together in celebration of a selfless grandmother who gives away her famous soup to hundreds and is left without a drop for herself. And while there will be no soup doled out Thursday, a community will come together to share in the innocent story of generosity at the annual Read for the Record event at the Granite Bay Library. In coordination with the early literacy nonprofit Jumpstart, Read for the Record is a global campaign to spread the love of reading. For Jennifer Rexroad of the Friends of the Granite Bay Library, which will present the event, Read for the Record exemplifies the positive power community can have. "This is about bringing all these different groups and people together," Rexroad said. "Whether it's the National Charity League, Friends of the Granite Bay Library, MOMs Club of Granite Bay, Placer County Fire fighters or the Granite Bay Library itself, it's about promoting community and the love of reading for children. Everyone gets to have fun and it really makes everyone feel like they are a part of something really special." The free family-friendly event will not only include the reading of "Thank You, Omu" by a South Placer Fire fighter, but will include the ever-popular fire truck on display. With the aid of the National Charity League, Rexroad said a myriad of "Thank You, Omu!" themed crafts will be available after the reading. And for those families who wish to take the inspiring words home, Rexroad said the MOMs Club of Granite Bay has purchased a copy of "Thank You, Omu!" for each attending family. Debby Bedwell, President of the Friends of the Granite Bay Library, Read for the Record is not only a tremendous showcase of the community but reinforces the relevancy of libraries as a resource to the community. "A lot of people think the libraries are dead or they are dying, but it's amazing how valuable they are to the community," Bedwell said. "We at the Friends of the Library kind of consider ourselves the advocates or cheerleaders of the library and events like this allow us to reach a lot of people. This is also an opportunity to celebrate with people in your community that love for reading." Bedwell added the large-scale event is also good publicity for the Granite Bay library. She noted that even in the community, there are still people who are not aware of the Granite Bay Library's existence. Read for the Record will be held Thursday, from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. at the Granite Bay Library, 6475 Douglas Boulevard, Granite Bay. The event is free to attend. For additional information, visit the Friends of the Granite Bay Library's website at folgranitebay.org.