The Knoxville Public Library will host a Picnic Book Bash tomorrow for families with children up to age 5. The library has received books through a grant from JMP Early Childhood Iowa. Assistant Director Staci Stanton says this kind of development at an early age is critical.

“It’s never too early to start reading, to give them those skills to prepare them for school. This is a bonus, because it’s not only helping them get ready as a summer program, but it coordinates well with what we do for early literacy.”

The Book Bash will be held at the library on Saturday from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Several stations will be set up to feature music, stories, craft activities that build sound and language recognition, small and large motor skills, and social skills. Every child will receive a free book to take home. Snacks will be provided.