Ann Hufnagel, Okarche Elementary School librarian, gathered extra or dated copies of appropriate-age library books, stacked them on her cart and invited the students to select a favorite book to take home.

Hufnagel said she was inspired by the opportunity to share the Read Across Oklahoma event with the younger students in pre-k through second grades and give them a chance to pick out a book to keep as their own.

While watching the event virtually, students were able to take a tour of the OKC Zoo and learn about some of the animals as well as hear several Oklahomans read different stories.

Edmond author Tammi Sauer shared her book “Wordy Birdy.”

“My hope is to help these young students develop a love of reading,” Hufnagel said.

Pre-k through second grade teachers Caitlin Timmons, Randi Muniz, Marianne Austin, Ginny Grellner, Tiffany Wittrock, Kaci Short and Debbie Westphal fully supported and helped to realize Hufnagel’s plan.

“Our faculty and staff know the importance of reading as our students progress and take every opportunity to make reading fun as well as instructive, and Read Across Oklahoma is one more opportunity to do just that,” Okarche Elementary Principal Chris Roby said.

“This activity gives added depth and variety to our reading programs such as Literacy Night, book fairs, Accelerated Reader and tutoring programs.”

The premiere literary event for pre-school and early grade students returned this year on April 13.

Read Across America is part of the statewide My First Library program coordinated by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, an early literacy initiative that helps develop literary skills and promotes family reading.

Several Okarche Elmentary teachers participated in the virtual activities available at the Oklahoma Department of Libraries website (libraries.ok.gov/ read).

In addition to meeting an Oklahoma author and listen to guests reading favorite children’s books, site visitors could take in performances by popular children’s musical group Spaghetti Eddie, additional storytellings and more.