All Plainfield-area children ages 5-9 years are invited to a fun “Abe Lincoln Kids’ Event” from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the main campus of Joliet Junior College, Building T, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet.

This special event is part of the 2013 Great Read community literacy program, which is focusing on President Abraham Lincoln this year. The event is free, but registration is requested at (815) 280-1555.

Children will hear stories, play games and do crafts all related to the 16^th president. Parents are welcome to stay, too.

This year, the 2013 Great Read celebrates the 150^th anniversary of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, made in 1863. Plainfield-area community members are encouraged to read any books about the 16^th president and take part in the Great Read’s numerous fun, historical and educational programs dedicated to Lincoln.

The Emancipation Proclamation is one of Lincoln’s greatest achievements. It led to the passage of the 13^th Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1865, which abolished slavery.

The Great Read is proudly presented by the Plainfield School District 202, the Plainfield, Fountaindale, Joliet and Shorewood-Troy public libraries, Joliet Junior College, Plainfield Township, Troy School District and the Joliet Barnes and Noble store.

The Great Read is also supported by generous grants from the Plainfield Foundation for Excellence (www.psd202.org/foundation); the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library; and additional funding from Enterprise Publications and participating member organizations.

Please contact Joliet Junior College Personal Enrichment Coordinator Brenda Large for more information about the Abe Lincoln Kids’ Event at (815) 280-1504 or blarge@jjc.edu

Please see The Great Read web site for more information about this year’s program www.psd202.org/greatread