Greater Mankato Area United Way and YMCA host Reading Fest this weekend

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Saturday, the Mankato Family YMCA is hosting Reading Fest to inspire the joy of reading to kids and their families.

The Minnesota Department of Education said just less than half of students in the state were proficient in reading in 2024, which is why Sarah Buesing from the United Way wants to encourage parents to be active in their child’s reading journey.

“But it’s really about the whole family coming together,” Buesing said. “Looking at the pictures, looking at the story, reading the words if they can and just talking about reading is helpful too.”

Saturday’s event runs from 9 a.m. to noon at the Mankato Y. Capstone Publishing will be giving out free children’s books.

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