Rock & Read

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Shanna Wolf

A scene from the 2016 Rock and Read, a Madison Public Library Foundation fundraiser.

press release: Madison Public Library Foundation will host its fifth annual Rock & Read fundraiser on Sunday, June 17, from 3-6 p.m. in the Bier Garten at Capital Brewery, 7734 Terrace Ave., Middleton.

Rock & Read is an opportunity for the community to celebrate literacy, learning and the city’s nine public libraries. Event proceeds support Madison Public Library’s Summer Reading Program and summer literacy efforts. This summer’s program theme is “Libraries Rock!”

Summer is a time for kids to get a break from the classroom, but that doesn’t mean learning should stop, said Madison Public Library Youth Services Supervisor Tammy Pineda.

“Over the summer, kids tend to forget critical literacy skills they learned during the school year and can slide back in their reading levels,” Pineda said. “This so-called ‘summer slide’ is particularly devastating to children who are already struggling with reading. The good news is that reading just four books in the summer can help kids maintain their reading levels or even increase them.”

While any child is welcome to sign up for the program, the library focuses its efforts on reaching youth who may have less support for growth during the summer, or limited access to books or reading materials. Library representatives visit Madison Metropolitan School District summer school sites, neighborhood centers and daycare centers, Pineda said.

DJ Rob Dz and Afro-Peruvian band Golpe Tierra will provide music at Rock & Read. Activities include registration for the Summer Reading Program, free book giveaways for youth, kids’ crafts from Monroe Street Arts Center, ice cream treats, a photo booth and a chance to win raffle prize packages. Pizza, snacks, soda and Capital beer will be available for purchase.

Tickets are available now at mplfoundation.org for a suggested donation of $7 for adults and $4 for kids. Family sponsorship packages are also available.

The foundation thanks the many businesses and organizations supporting Rock & Read: Capitol Bank, Friends of the Sequoya Library, J.H. Findorff & Son Inc., Isthmus Eye Care, Selinger & Brunette, and TDS Telecom, Sustaining Sponsors; Demco, Friends of the Madison Public Library, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin, North American Mechanical Inc. (NAMI), Orange Tree Imports, Smith & Gesteland, LLP, and Willy St. Co-op, Contributing Sponsors; Demarb Brophy, Friends of the Meadowridge Library, KleenMark, KMA Bodilly and The Roman Candle, Supporting Sponsors; Hulafrog and Wisconsin Public Radio, Media Partners; and Schoep’s Ice Cream, In-Kind Supporter.