Skagit County proclaims May 4–10 as Skagit Kids Read Week; author to tour county libraries

Skagit County commissioners on April 27 proclaimed May 4–10, 2026 as Skagit Kids Read Week and presented copies of the featured book to the author and local library staff.

Katie Anderson of the Children's Museum told the board the event, in its 16th year, distributes books to every county and most elementary-school libraries and sponsors story-walk boards and in-library programs. Anderson said the week's schedule will include author visits to multiple library branches and hands-on craft activities tied to the books so children can extend reading into play.

Author Cammie Bratton of Anacortes described Rooster and Chomp Chomp Nom Nom, the two books highlighted this year, and said her Little Language Learners series explores the different onomatopoeias children hear across languages. Bratton said she will lead craft sessions — including dioramas and hand-puppet activities — at library stops and the Children's Museum reading on May 9 at 11 a.m.

Alia Allen, youth services specialist and children's librarian at Central Skagit Library in Sedro-Woolley, thanked the commissioners and outlined library summer reading challenges and partnered events designed to keep youth engaged during the school break. Allen invited families to local library and museum programs and emphasized free access to books and early-learning resources.

The board moved and seconded the proclamation and voted in favor. Commissioners and staff provided copies of the featured books to the author and participating librarians before resuming the agenda.

The proclamation and related events are intended to promote literacy and encourage countywide participation in library and museum programming during early May.