NILES — Children up to 5 years of age along with their parents or caregivers will have the opportunity to enjoy a free literacy activity intended to develop an early love for reading when Read Around the County returns to Riverfront Park Tuesday, May 21.

The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. May 21 near the pavilion at Riverfront Park. A second Read Around the County will be offered for north county readers at the St. Joseph Bluff, across from the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library, at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 23.

At past events, characters ranging from super heroes to lady bugs have set up chairs and blankets around Riverfront Park to inspire a love of reading in local youth. Volunteer readers promise entertaining costumes at the upcoming event.

The activity is free, and the first 100 children to arrive will receive a free book. Participants will also be offered free snacks and water. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to bring blankets to sit on during story sessions.

In the event of inclement weather, the programs will be canceled. No rain dates are scheduled.

To learn if the event has been canceled, visit berrienresa.org.

Read Around the County is a partnership between Berrien RESA’s Parents as Teachers program and libraries across Berrien County. Organizers say this partnership symbolizes the collective mission of Berrien RESA and the libraries to promote early literacy skills.

Parents as Teachers is an international early childhood parent education and family support program serving families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten. The program is designed to enhance child development and school achievement through parent education and is accessible to all families.