Gathering at Jack the Dipper. Photo by Temi Adeleye
Eating ice cream wasn’t the only thing intended for at the Jack the Dippers in Sylva on Nov. 14.
The well-known ice cream store hosted a fundraiser for the Reading Rover bookmobile. The bookmobile is a bus that travels around the Jackson, Macon and Swain counties to provide preschoolers and child cares the chance to hear stories.
The Fontana Regional library partnered with the ice cream shop to raise awareness for improvement in children’s literacy. Reading Rover Outreach services librarian, Deanna Lyles, was present at the fundraiser allowing people to sign up for library cards and speak about Reading Rover.
“The Reading Rover has been on the road since 1999. The purpose is to bring quality materials, books, game,s CD’s and puzzles to preschools and day cares,” she said.
Red Rover booth. Photo by Temi Adeleye
Lyles laughed as children ran around with joy on their face from the atmosphere and games provided. Along with Lyles, many adults mingled with the children enjoying ice cream and playing games. A mother and supporter of the library, Julie enjoyed the ice cream with her son and was very pleased with the event.
Julie and her son enjoying the activities of the fundraiser. Photo by Temi Adeleye
“We love going to the library and we wanted to come and support it…and this is a great fundraising event,” said Julie.
The fundraiser seemed to be a success and plenty of parents and children left happy.
“It’s always a great turnout, it shows that people still want their kids to read. We’d like to make it an annual thing, it’s a lot of fun as you can see,” said owner of Jack the Dipper, Tony Straut “Jack” as children ran around the shop.
Jack the Dipper looks forward to their partnership with Reading Rover and look forward to what will be in store for next year.
