Costumed characters and children's crafts will add to the fun of Summer Reading Smash, a literacy event sponsored by Affinity 42 Foundation Thursday, May 17, from 2 to 7 p.m.
The reading event will be held in conjunction with the Farmer and Artisan Market, held on the grounds of Poe's Tavern at 9817 Dayton Pike in Soddy-Daisy.
The focus of Summer Reading Smash will be on providing access to summer reading books for students in North Hamilton County and South Rhea County. Barnes & Noble Hamilton Place will be on hand selling these titles as well as books for all ages. The sale is a book fair fundraiser for Affinity 42 and proceeds will go toward funding its work in the community.
United Way of Greater Chattanooga will be signing up children ages 5 and under for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library as well as doing free Learning Check-Ups.
Read 20 will hold storytimes throughout the day at the Readmobile, along with crafts and activities. A variety of superheroes and princesses from Children of Joy will help with storytime and photos.
For information about which schools' summer reading lists will be available, contact Kelly Flemings at Barnes & Noble, 423-893-0186.
For information about Affinity 42, contact Curtis Cecil at 423-645-7428.