Tomorrow (12/7) is the last day to apply to host the author & illustrators of I Got the Rhythm for the new Ready to Read Michigan (RTRM) program! Please see the details below for a link to the tour request form. Please note, when completing the form, that the RTRM program is designed for ages 0-5, and we are encouraging libraries to use it for outreach to area daycares, Great Starts, Head Starts, etc. Kindergartens do count, but if you completed this form regarding 1st graders or higher, I will be in touch with you to change that to an early literacy group, if selected. Thank you, Cathy Lancaster Youth Services Coordinator Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915 LancasterC5@michigan.gov<mailto:LancasterC5@michigan.gov> | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan> Follow us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/libraryofmichigan/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/libraryofmich> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/libraryofmichigan/> [RTRM Logo]The Library of Michigan has announced the new Ready to Read Michigan<http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcxMTE1LjgwOTUzNTQxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MTExNS44MDk1MzU0MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3NDY3ODU4JmVtYWlsaWQ9TGFuY2FzdGVyQzVAbWljaGlnYW4uZ292JnVzZXJpZD1MYW5jYXN0ZXJDNUBtaWNoaWdhbi5nb3YmZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&100&&&http://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/0,2351,7-160-18668_83061---,00.html>, a program designed for public libraries to encourage families and caregivers to read aloud regularly to children during the early stages of life (birth up to age 5), as it ensures the development of early literacy skills and instills a love of reading. The program is designed for public librarians to model early literacy skill development directly to families and engage in outreach to early childhood centers, Great Start & Head Start classrooms, and daycares throughout their community. [IGTR]The first book selected for public library outreach is "I Got the Rhythm" by Connie Schofield-Morrison<http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcxMTE1LjgwOTUzNTQxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MTExNS44MDk1MzU0MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3NDY3ODU4JmVtYWlsaWQ9TGFuY2FzdGVyQzVAbWljaGlnYW4uZ292JnVzZXJpZD1MYW5jYXN0ZXJDNUBtaWNoaWdhbi5nb3YmZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&101&&&http://painted-words.com/portfolio/connie-schofield-morrison-2/> and illustrated by Frank Morrison<http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcxMTE1LjgwOTUzNTQxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MTExNS44MDk1MzU0MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3NDY3ODU4JmVtYWlsaWQ9TGFuY2FzdGVyQzVAbWljaGlnYW4uZ292JnVzZXJpZD1MYW5jYXN0ZXJDNUBtaWNoaWdhbi5nb3YmZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&102&&&http://painted-words.com/portfolio/frank-morrison/>. The author/illustrator tour is hosted by public libraries during "March is Reading Month" to promote the importance of reading aloud to young children throughout the state. The Library of Michigan is looking for public libraries which would like to have the author and illustrator visit on March 19-22, 2018. Libraries must be able to coordinate the event with a local early childhood center, daycare, Great State, Head Start, preschool or kindergarten class(es). If you would like your public library to be considered as a host, please complete the Ready to Read Michigan Tour Visit 2018<http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcxMTE1LjgwOTUzNTQxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MTExNS44MDk1MzU0MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3NDY3ODU4JmVtYWlsaWQ9TGFuY2FzdGVyQzVAbWljaGlnYW4uZ292JnVzZXJpZD1MYW5jYXN0ZXJDNUBtaWNoaWdhbi5nb3YmZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&103&&&https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RTRM18> form by December 8, 2018. We will select event locations based on the author & illustrator's schedule, the location of the library, and the library's ability to secure a community partner to bring in an audience or plan to host the visit at a local early childhood center. We will try to reach as many areas of the state as possible with up to 10 visits. The Library of Michigan will make scheduling arrangements with the author and illustrator to pay their honorarium. Funding for Ready to Read Michigan is provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, with additional support provided by Consumers Energy and the Library of Michigan Foundation.