MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
United Way of Reno County will host its fourth annual United Read Connect event on Saturday, May 3, offering families a free “community book fair” filled with books, games and resources at DCI Park.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., children and families are invited to stop by the downtown park to receive one of 1,200 free Scholastic books, enjoy bounce houses, face painting, and even interact with a local fire truck. Organizers say the goal is to make reading fun and accessible — no wallet required.
“You might remember Scholastic book fairs from your school days,” said Elizabeth Burke, a spokesperson for United Way. “Some kids could buy whatever they wanted, and some weren’t able to visit at all. This is our way of leveling that playing field.”
Books will be geared primarily toward younger children, ranging from birth to elementary school levels. Titles from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which serves children ages 0-5, will be available alongside new Scholastic selections.
“Reading at home, even with help from a sibling or parent, builds those essential kindergarten and early elementary reading skills,” Burke said. “When we started the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in 2011, kindergarten readiness in our area was around 30%. Within five or six years, that number rose to 70%. It’s a testament to the power of early literacy.”
The Hutchinson Public Library curated this year’s book selection, and local partner organizations will be on hand to provide information about free or reduced-cost programs for families.
“There’s a lot happening downtown that day,” Burke added. “But swing through DCI Park and pick up a free book. It’s all about making connections — to stories, to resources, and to each other.”