Aug. 15, 2008

The Library of Michigan will launch this year's Michigan Reads! - the one-state, one-children's-book program devoted to boosting early childhood literacy - at the Target Children's Book Festival at Kensington Metropark in Milford from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23.

Featuring "Raccoon Tune" by Michigan author Nancy Shaw, Michigan Reads! 2008 is slated to take place throughout September, with programming, events and author visits statewide. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/michiganreads.

The Target Children's Book Festival offers a full day of children's activities and live entertainment focused on promoting the joy of reading. The free event will feature readings, storytelling, demonstrations, appearances by national and local authors and story characters, activity workshops and book-related merchandise. The Library of Michigan will provide information about Michigan Reads! and early childhood literacy for parents and caregivers, as well as free activities for children. Among the performers scheduled to appear, Nancy Shaw will read and sign copies of her book.

The Target Children's Book Festival lineup includes:

10:15 a.m. - Musical group The Jimmies ("Make Your Own Someday")
10:45 a.m. - Michigan Reads! author Nancy Shaw ("Raccoon Tune")
11:05 a.m. - Illustrator David Small ("When Dinosaurs Came With Everything")
11:30 a.m. - Musician Roger Day ("Dream Big!")
Noon - Author Stephanie Calmenson ("Late for School!")
12:20 p.m. - Musician and author Jose-Luis Orozco ("De Colores")
12:50 p.m. - Author Christine Kole MacLean ("Mary Margaret Meets Her Match")
1:10 p.m. - Author/illustrator Jim Benton ("Franny K. Stein Mad Scientist" series)
1:40 p.m. - Musician Little Mo' McCoury ("Little Mo' McCoury")
2:20 p.m. - Author Debbie A. Taylor ("Sweet Music in Harlem")
2:40 p.m. - Author Jennifer Veenendall ("Arnie and His School Tools: Simple Sensory Solutions That Build Success)
3:10 p.m. - Television character/musical performer Hip Hop Harry ("Party Jams!")
3:45 p.m. - Author Sarah Princess ("The Magic Thief")
4:10 p.m. - Author and illustrator Mark Crilley ("Akiko" series)
4:30 p.m. - Musician and author Jose-Luis Orozco ("De Colores")

For the second year in a row, Target is the sole sponsor of Michigan Reads!, with additional support from the Library of Michigan Foundation. Thanks to Target's support, the Library of Michigan has distributed a kit to public libraries, elementary schools, Head Start and Michigan School Readiness programs, that includes a copy of "Raccoon Tune" along with a programming guide full of ideas and sample programs, information on early childhood literacy, a poster and more. Target's support will also allow Nancy Shaw to tour libraries around the state in September.

The Library of Michigan is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries. Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Historical Center. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,537 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today's best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives more than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).