IPTV Kids Clubhouse host plans visit to Le Mars

Iowa Public Television's Kids Clubhouse host Dan Wardell will be visiting the Le Mars Public Library on Friday for a creative story time.

Wardell will tell an original story at story time at the Le Mars library tying into this year's summer reading theme, "Be Creative at Your Library."

Story times will be 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Friday, June 19.

"He is very energetic and always gets the crowd involved," children's librarian Lisa Vander Sluis said.

To promote summer reading for children, Iowa Public Television is partnering with local Iowa libraries for a third summer of its Reading Road Trip.

In June 2007 Wardell visited Le Mars drawing more than 160 parents and children into the library, Vander Sluis said, and she is expecting around the same amount this year.

More than 25,000 Iowans have attended Wardell's Reading Road Trip in the past two years. During this year's Reading Road Trip, Wardell will visit 62 Iowa libraries story times.

Wardell will also be keeping an online journal on IPTV's website where families can follow his adventures. On the website, families can find pictures, videos, interactive maps and more from each of his stops through Iowa.

Vander Sluis said she encourages families to take a look at the website to see how fun the Reading Road Trip is.

For more information on Dan Wardell's Reading Road Trip you can contact Vander Sluis at the Le Mars Public Library, 546-5004. Or visit Wardell's online journal at www.iptv.org/dantastic.