Natomas Reads!
History and Objectives

Natomas Reads! is a community-wide literacy coalition that sponsors and promotes reading events, programs and activities in South Natomas and North Natomas.  Currently, Natomas Reads! is comprised of representatives from:

This team formed in 2004 and recognized at the outset that if we pooled our talents and resources by working together we would achieve something greater than each of us could accomplish alone.  The result was our main annual event, Read Across Natomas, first held in 2006.  This initial effort was based on the annual national Read Across America event held in March of each year.  It was a success that proved to be a great deal of fun for our literacy team, community sponsors and the community participants and we are now sponsoring our 4th annual Read Across Natomas.

This year’s event will promote reading during the entire month of March.   On Saturday, March 28, 2009, from 2-5pm, we will be hosting a Passport Party at The Promenade at Sacramento Gateway (corner of Truxel Road and North Freeway Blvd. near I-80).  Participants will be completing their Passports by visiting Promenade businesses and then returning to Barnes & Noble for fun family activities and a drawing for prizes.  Every year more and more families participate in this event and last year we had over 500 participants.

Read Across Natomas kick off events will be held at both public libraries during Dr. Seuss birthday parties:

• N. Natomas Public Library will hold theirs on March 2nd, 4PM in room D101 (Inderkum HS, 2500 New Market Dr.). 

• S. Natomas Public Library will hold theirs on March 3rd, 6:30PM at the library (2901 Truxel Rd.). 

Come pick up your Passport, play some games and have a piece of birthday cake!  If you miss the party, feel free to pick up your Passport at either public library anytime during the month of March.

Natomas Reads! also sponsors book drives and is currently looking for ways to support a brand new library for Garden Valley Elementary School (3601 Larchwood Dr.).  If you are interested in assisting in the effort to bring the very first library to this school, please contact Tim Gardes (Tim.Gardes@twinriversusd.org).  The children at this school will appreciate your help!

Natomas Reads! has a monthly column in NMagazine to let the community know about programs and materials that are available to assist in the quest to build literacy.  If you are interested in being the proud sponsor of this column or sharing this sponsorship, please contact Vicki Rondeau (vrondeau@saclibrary.org).  Together we can make a difference!  Everyone is welcome to celebrate and promote literacy along with us!

Vicki Rondeau