The Friends of the Exeter Community Library will sponsor a free cookie-themed early literacy event inspired by the Pennsylvania One Book initiative, which highlights the importance of early literacy development in preschoolers and promotes the significance of reading early and often to children.
Two sessions at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. will be held at the Exeter Community Library, 4569 Prestwick Drive, Reading, on Wednesday, May 27.
The free program is recommended for children ages 4 to 6 with an adult.
“Join us for an extra special cookie-themed storytime followed by a variety of fun hands-on activities and stations that promote early literacy development, motor skills practice and kindergarten readiness,” Exeter Community Library Youth Services Librarian Laura Kauffman said in a statement.
Each child will go home with a backpack that includes a free picture book, a complete at-home extension packet, and, of course, cookies.
“The Great Cookie Kerfuffle” by Jessica Shaw and illustrated by Pauline Gregory is the 2026 Pennsylvania One Book featured book.
PA One Book is a statewide initiative encouraging families, libraries, early learning programs, and community partners to come together around a shared reading experience. Through PA One Book each year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office of Commonwealth Libraries selects a single high-quality children’s book to support early literacy development, family engagement, and joyful shared reading experiences for young children across the Commonwealth, according to a release.
Registration is required. To register, contact Exeter Community Library Youth Services Librarian Laura Kauffman at eclyouth@exeterlibrary.org
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ExeterCommunityLibrary/events and https://www.berkslibraries.org/branch/exeter/kids.