KSL's Read Today initiative is encouraging kids

Learning doesn't have to stop during the summer.

That's the message the Read Today initiative aims to spread by challenging children in grades K-6 to read for at least 20 minutes each day, said Deseret Book managing director of marketing Gail Halladay.

"The initiative started in the spring for the summer," Halladay said. "We wanted kids to keep with their reading and learning and not do the summer slide. The incentive is that they continue to read and learn and keep pace with what they do in the school year."

School-age kids participating in Read Today have been logging their reading minutes online. And to celebrate a summer filled with literature, KSL will hold a Book Festival Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the University of Utah.

"We are about promoting literacy and helping students read at grade level throughout their track," Halladay said. "The Book Festival is a great way to reward students and celebrate the written word."

Although each child involved with the program will be given a reward, special prizes including boxed book sets and backpacks will be given away at 10 a.m. when the event opens, so Halladay urges parents to get there early.

At noon, more prizes will be given out to top readers, and three lucky schools will win a pizza party with a top author and a KSL reporter.

There will also be events for every member of the family, including a reading area with local celebrities reading children's books and a stage with cooking demonstrations for parents.

Halladay said the program, which is operated in conjunction with KSL Broadcasting, Deseret News, Deseret Book, Deseret Digital Media and Temple Square Hospitality, has gotten positive feedback from both students and parents and will continue year-round as a tool to increase literacy.

If you go:

What: KSL Book Festival

When: Aug. 28; 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: University of Utah

Cost: Free; book donations welcome

For more information and a map of events, visit www.readtoday.com/ksl-book-festival/

e-mail: amears@desnews.com