Kickoff Summer Reading with Taylor Washington of the Philadelphia Union
Professional Soccer Player Turns Storyteller for Children at Marple Public Library
Middletown, PA – Philadelphia Union defender Taylor Washington will trade in his soccer boots for a storybook on Tuesday June 28th from 6:00-7:00PM at the Marple Public Library (2599 Sproul Road Broomall, PA 19008). Delaware County Libraries and the Philadelphia Union have partnered together for the READ Program since the team’s first season in 2010. READ aims to improve children’s literacy skills and kickoff Delaware County Libraries’ Summer Reading Program. Attendees can register for Marple Public Library’s Summer Reading Program at the event.
The free event is for children between the ages of 5 and 11 and will feature the children’s book “Shark in the Dark” by Peter Bently. “Shark in the Dark” utilizes clever rhymes and word patterns in an amusing and interesting way that will surely be a big hit for the children. After listening to Taylor read the story, the children will then have the opportunity to meet him. Additional entertainment will be provided by the magician Ran’D Shine. All children in attendance will receive a free poster of Taylor Washington that promotes reading!
Taylor Washington’s rise to the twenty-third overall pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by the Philadelphia Union did not come easy for him. During his time in college, Taylor struggled with his studies and later found out that he suffered from undiagnosed dyslexia. Taylor had to relearn how to read by using techniques similar to ones being taught to kids in elementary school. After four months of training with a specialist, Taylor finished college with a GPA above 3.5. Taylor’s story of perseverance should be an inspiration for all children who suffer from learning disabilities.
Delaware County Libraries is an agency of county government that provides support services for 26 independent member libraries. For information about the wide range of library services available to all county residents, visit: www.delcolibraries.org, or follow us on Twitter @delcolibraries, Facebook at www.facebook.com/delawarecountylibraries, and Instagram @delawarecountylibraries. For more information about the Philadelphia Union visit: www.philadelphiaunion.com.
