The Dayton Metro Library is launching a brand new initiative this fall called Be A Reading Hero. Presented in partnership with The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and 22 different community agencies, this literacy and safety collaboration connects first responders with children and families at the Library.
“With the enthusiastic participation of area police, fire and emergency personnel, we’re offering fun and educational programs for all ages this fall,” said Tim Kambitsch, Dayton Metro Library Executive Director. “The Library’s role as a community center makes it the perfect location for first responders to meet and build relationships with the people they serve.”
Free programs, including storytimes with police officers and firefighters, career talks with first responders, and safety presentations by Dayton Children’s Hospital, will take place at many Dayton Metro Library locations throughout the county.
As part of the Reading Hero initiative, the Library is assembling Cruiser Bags for first responders to use in the field. These bags contain small toys, stickers and books intended to provide comfort and distraction to children during stressful or emergency situations.
“We are grateful to our partners, Dayton Children’s Hospital, G4S and AAA/Allied Group, for working with the Library and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to make this exciting new collaboration a reality,” said Kambitsch. “We are especially indebted to the Reading Heroes themselves who work every day to make our communities safe.”
Tim Kambitsch and Sheriff Phil Plummer officially kick off the Be A Reading Hero program on Wednesday, September 17, 9:30-10:00 a.m. at the corner of Fourth Street and Patterson Boulevard in downtown Dayton. Representatives from the many participating agencies, including area police and fire departments, CareFlight and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, have been invited to attend. Fire trucks, cruisers and other vehicles will be on hand. The cruiser bags will be premiered at this kickoff event.
For a complete list of Reading Hero programs, pick up a copy of the new Fall issue of Spotlight On Your Library or visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org\ReadingHero.
Participating Agencies:
Brookville Fire Department
Brookville Police Department
CareFlight Air & Mobile Services
Dayton Fire Department
Dayton Police Department
Harrison Township Fire Department
Huber Heights Fire Department
Huber Heights Police Department
Kettering Fire Department
Kettering Police Department
Miami Township Police Department
Miami Township Fire-Rescue
Miami Valley Fire District
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office
New Lebanon Fire Department
New Lebanon Police Department
Ohio State Highway Patrol
Trotwood Fire & Rescue
Trotwood Police Department
Vandalia Fire Department
Vandalia Police Department
West Carrollton Fire Department
West Carrollton Police Department
Sponsored by: Dayton Children’s Hospital, G4S, AAA Allied Group
Presented by: The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and The Dayton Metro Library
