03/25/2026
There is a tremendous amount to be learned from stories. Even more to be learned when these stories are read aloud to us. Even fluent readers have so much to gain from being read to! Did you know listening to books increases vocabulary development at a greater rate than reading silently? New research shows that being read to also increases the development of empathy and creativity. Being read to is an accessible, low pressure way to engage reluctant or struggling readers. These are just a portion of the benefits.
It just goes to show that sharing stories creates a unique MAGIC! That's why today, March 25 - Read Tolkien Day - a day celebrating nearly a century of the amazing stories of Tolkien, we are excited to announce a new program at VBPL. In June we will launch the Go Along Program with an emphasis on reading TO middle and high school students. And drum roll, please....our inaugural title will be The Hobbit.
We are so excited for this and cannot wait to share more of the vision, intention, and passion behind this project. For now, spread the word. Let the teens in your life know that they can come be a kid again, gather round, and listen to a story.
"Let's hear about Frodo and the Ring." And they'll say, "Yes, that's one of my favorite stories."
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers
