JACKSON, Miss. – Mississippi Public Broadcasting announces a new free education program coming to a library near you called the MPB Library Literacy Tour Featuring Ed Said. The tour’s purpose is to promote early childhood literacy and help families become better engaged with PBS KIDS programming.
In partnership with the Mississippi Library Commission and libraries across the state, the MPB Library Literacy Tour Featuring Ed Said will have events virtually or in-person the last Saturday of the month from July to October and January to May. Space is limited for in-person events.
The first event is set for 10:30 a.m. Sept. 25 in-person at the Orange Grove Public Library, 12135 Old Hwy. 49 in Gulfport, which is part of the Harrison County Library System. The second event is set for 10:30 a.m. Oct. 30 virtually with the Lincoln Lawrence Franklin Regional Library System in Brookhaven. Twelve other libraries across the state have expressed interest in being a stop on the tour.
At each event, children and their families will watch a PBS KIDS program, complete fun activities related to the program and read a book. MPB’s Ed Said, the rapping, rhyming purple character that promotes health and wellness, will also participate in the tour. This is a great opportunity for families to learn together, particularly those with children in Pre-K to age 8, but all children are welcome.
PBS KIDS programs are designed to address the academic and social-emotional skills of young children. PBS KIDS shows, games and activities are created to be developmentally appropriate, safe and effective learning tools.
“Libraries are a vital part of communities, and many families are closely connected to them. Libraries offer many opportunities for learning, growth, exploration and are bountiful in resources,” said MPB Director of Education Tara Y. Wren, Ph.D. “MPB is adding another resource for libraries with this new venture. This is an opportunity for us to meet children and their families in their communities, encouraging them all to have fun learning together and sharing new opportunities to do so.
“We are pleased to partner with the Mississippi Library Commission, that provides free books during each event, and the community library that provides the space for us to connect. We look forward to meeting families across the state virtually and in-person when we can do so again.”
“The Mississippi Library Commission is delighted to be able to partner with MPB and Mississippi’s public libraries for the MPB Library Literacy Tour,” said Tracy Carr, the Library Services Director at the MLC. “We are thrilled to be able to provide the books for program participants and to facilitate a love of learning in Mississippi’s children.”
To register for the MPB Library Literacy Tour Featuring Ed Said events or learn how your local library can get involved, visit education.mpbonline.org or call (601) 432-6565.
MPB is a state agency that also operates as a PBS and NPR affiliate broadcasting station. For more information visit www.mpbonline.org. Find all MPB press releases here.
###
Mississippi Public Broadcasting provides relevant instructional and public affairs programming to Mississippians through its statewide television and radio network. MPB enhances the work of educators, students, parents and learners of all ages by providing informative programming and educational resources. MPB’s locally produced programming focuses on the people, resources and attractions that reflect Mississippi’s unique culture and diverse heritage. Children’s television programs constitute a major portion of the daytime and weekend morning schedules. MPB provides a valuable resource to Mississippians in disseminating information as part of the state’s emergency preparedness and response system. Since 1970, MPB has won over 350 national, regional and statewide awards, including Emmy®, Edward R. Murrow and Parents’ Choice® Awards.