A well-known, fictional literary figure will be visiting this week with children at locations of the Forsyth County Public Library.

Clifford the Big Red Dog will visit the Post Road Library at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday; Cumming Library at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday; and Hampton Park Library at 11:15 a.m. Thursday as part of the statewide program “1,000 Books before Kindergarten.” 

“Each of these ‘1,000 Books Before Kindergarten’ storytimes will feature Clifford stories, songs and crafts, as well as a chance for the children to meet Clifford. We believe that learning begins at home, so we’ll also be sharing practical reading tips that families can incorporate into everyday activities they’re already doing,” said Outreach and Program Manager Tracy Walker.

The events are free, designed for children up to 5 years old and meant to get families to have a New Year’s resolution to read books in 2018.

“Not only is reading aloud with children a wonderful way to snuggle up and share a good story, but it’s also one of the best ways to prepare a young child for learning to read when they enter kindergarten,” Walker said.

Georgia Public Library service holds 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten as a statewide initiative to develop pre-reading skills, with the goal of children eventually becoming independent readers. 

“Seeing a familiar book character in real life is a treat for most children and it sparks their continuing interest in reading, so we’re excited to welcome Clifford to visit with our youngest patrons and hope that meeting him will encourage families to set a goal to read 1,000 books,” Walker said.

Parents who read their children a book a night will reach 1,000 in less than three years, and parents can log their children’s progress and receive a commemorative photo and stamp once reaching the goal.

Students who have already reached the goal will be recognized at the events. 

For more information on the event and other events at the libraries, go to Forsythpl.org.