Books and ice cream

Library, local business team to promote literacy

Ton Winter
Posted 1/24/18

Brian and Trisha Richmond, owners of the Interstate Gas Conoco Station, are committed to contributing to the reading success of Platte County students – one kindergartener at a time.

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Books and ice cream

Library, local business team to promote literacy

Posted

WHEATLAND – Brian and Trisha Richmond, owners of the Interstate Gas Conoco Station, are committed to contributing to the reading success of Platte County students – one kindergartener at a time.
When the Richmonds bought the gas station, Susan Bednasek approached them about being involved in the Early Literacy Program through the Platte County Library. The Program’s goal is to “get books in the hands of kids.”
Trisha went to all the Kindergarten an Pre-K classes at Libbey Elementary and read the book, “Splat the Cat: I Scream for Ice Cream” by Rob Scotton. Afterwards, she told the kids they just had to bring the letter she was handing out to them to the I–25 Interstate Gas/Conoco Station and they would receive a free book and a free ice cream treat for the month of January.

January is the best month to celebrate the “Treat that Can’t be Beat,” since there isn’t as much business then. Summertime is just too busy.
“The Library provides the books, we donate the ice cream,” explained Trisha. “The books are really nice, hardback books.”
Last year they offered the program to the Head Start classes, but did not get an overwhelming response. Trisha believes it was because she was unable to read to all of the classes and really explain what the letter meant – it was just sent home with the kids. This year they have had 30-35 kids bring the letter in, with some coming in the very day it was handed out.
When the kids come in for the free book and ice cream, they also get to sign their name on a paper snowflake and have it posted on the “Flurry of Readers” board.
“I’ve been taking Landon (her son) to the Literacy Programs at the Library and wanted to be more involved,” Trisha said. “Hopefully, more businesses will want to get involved too.”