National Family Literacy Month is celebrated every November and is a way to encourage families to read and learn together.  Use this month to create a bond with your family while improving family members' literacy.  Need some ideas to get started?  Try one (or all) of these!

• Cozy up and read a book.  Grab your family, some hot chocolate, and take turns reading.  If you have older children, pick out a chapter book that you can enjoy all month long.
• Enjoy listening to audiobooks on Library2Go and Hoopla.  Do you have any trips planned?  Check out an audiobook for the family from the library and listen on the drive.  (My seven-year-old and I have been enjoying listening to the Whatever After, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Harry Potter book series – all available on Hoopla!)
• Write notes of appreciation to each other.  Writing is a very important part of literacy and November is a great time to share what you’re thankful for.  Let your family members know how you appreciate them AND improve your literacy by writing them notes of appreciation.
• Discuss what you’ve read.  Can’t agree on a book to read together?  Come together as a family to share and discuss what you’ve been reading – this will improve reading comprehension.
• Read, read, read!  This shouldn’t just apply for November – NEVER STOP READING! 

Want some suggestions on chapter books that your family can enjoy reading together?  Click on the book covers below to check availability in the Fort Smith Public Library catalog.