Family Reading Night, a free community event, was held on Friday, March 6, at Washington Middle School. An estimated 800 people attended the event.

The annual event is organized by the Community Literacy Foundation, in partnership with the School District of Washington, Washington Optimist Club, Washington Public Library and Friends of the Library, and Neighborhood Reads Bookstore.

The event featured author Gideon Sterer, who traveled from New York to share his book, “If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone,” with young readers, their families and our community.

Sterer is a New York Times bestselling author who grew up in the woods of upstate New York. Growing up, his parents owned a wildlife discovery center, where he said he would run around after hours and let the animals out.

Sterer has written almost two dozen children’s books, including his NYT Bestseller, “The Christmas Owl.” His book, “If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone,” was a January 2026 Book Buddy Pick and “I Will Read to You” was an October 2023 Book Buddy Pick. Both of these books are available in area school and public libraries thanks to donors to the Community Literacy Foundation’s Book Buddy project and are featured on Neighborhood Reads’ Bound to Read Blog at neighborhoodreads.com.

Children who attended Family Reading Night listened to stories read by community and school leaders, along with local high school students, participated in crafts based on books, and won books.

Washington Parents as Teachers held a toddler activity room throughout the event.

The Washington Police Department held its annual skit in the gymnasium.

Among readers representing the School District of Washington in the reading rooms were Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart, Augusta Elementary third-grade teacher Julia Young, South Point Elementary Librarian Michelle Prewitt, Early Learning Center teachers Amy Dewert and Jennifer Alvarez and Nurse Jennifer Johnson, Washington High School Help Desk staff member Kathy Haddox, WHS Theatre Guild, WHS Football Team, WHS Choir, WHS FFA, WHS Spanish Club, WHS Interact Club, WHS National Honor Society, Junior WINGS, Board of Education member Dr. Frank Wood and his wife, retired SDOW teacher Kelly Wood, and South Point Elementary Principal Stacey Secor and Assistant Principal Stefanie Virgen.

Family Reading Night is a free family event for all ages. This year’s event was supported through additional donations from the Washington High School Football Team, Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of New Haven, East Central College, and Bank of Franklin County.

Photos from Family Reading Night are below.

 

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