We Love Lit

10/07/2026

09/11/2026

This looks like an amazing event for families. Commissioner Shanell Weatherspoon will be speaking!

Looking for something to do this Friday? Come out to Art in the Park from 5-7pm at Pontiac Oaks! This free event features interactive art, a petting zoo, storytelling, and more. Feel free to drop in anytime.

09/11/2026

**🌟 Remembering 9/11: Honoring the Past and Inspiring the Future 🌟**

Today, we pause to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001. It’s a day that reshaped our nation and left an indelible mark on countless lives. As we reflect, let’s commit to sharing stories that foster understanding, resilience, and compassion among our children.

Children’s books can be powerful tools to help young minds process this significant moment in history. Through stories, we can teach our kids about empathy, bravery, and the importance of community. Let’s ensure that future generations never forget the lessons learned from that day.

**Why Sharing Stories is Important:**
- **Promotes Understanding:** Helps children grasp the impact of 9/11 on our society.
- **Encourages Empathy:** Fosters compassion for those affected by the tragedy.
- **Builds Resilience:** Inspires hope and strength in the face of adversity.
- **Strengthens Community:** Reinforces the values of unity and love for our country.

**Resources for Families:**
To help facilitate these important conversations, check out these valuable resources:
- [Common Sense Media](https://www.commonsensemedia.org): Reviews and recommendations for age-appropriate books and films. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/kids-books-about-911
- [American Library Association](https://www.ala.org): Guides on how to discuss sensitive topics with children.

Let’s move forward with resilience and hope, ensuring our children understand the strength of our nation and the love that binds us all. Together, we can keep the promise to remember and honor the past. 💖🇺🇸

In the comments, share where you were on 9/11 and what story you might tell our youth about this day. Your experiences can inspire and educate!

Pontiac United Education Coalition - PUEC
Common Sense Media #
International Literacy Association
American Library Association
Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
Pontiac Public Library
#9/11 !
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09/10/2026

09/08/2026

🐢 Tiny turtle. BIG plans.

Look who recently hatched near the Oakland County Parks administration building! Snapping turtles may hatch out pint-sized, but don’t let the adorable packaging fool you. They grow to be the largest turtles in Michigan, with big males tipping the scales at 40 pounds or more.

Females lay 20–40 perfectly round eggs in May, and now those tiny turtles are making their grand entrances!

If you spot a hatchling, it won’t bite (though it may thank you with some impressively stinky musk). 🤢 If it’s in harm’s way, you can carefully pick it up and place it at the edge of the nearest pond or marsh.

We also highly suggest avoiding the urge to take these cuties home as pets. You need a fishing license, a literal pond for housing… it’s a whole thing.

Small now. Absolute unit later. 🐢💪

09/08/2026

🌟 **Happy International Literacy Day!** 🌟

At **We Love Lit!**, we believe every child deserves access to literacy that is not only purposeful but also joyful! 🎉 Literacy extends beyond just reading and writing; it’s about creating moments in everyday life. Whether it’s making ice cream, catching fireflies and reading about them, or diving into exciting STEM activities, any moment can be a literacy moment!

📸 Check out our images from our summer launch pad to see the joy of literacy in action!

✨ **Join us for our Fall Lift Off on Tuesday, October 6th** 4:30pm-6pm for K-5 students! Let’s celebrate the power of words and experiences together!

! # 📚💖
Pontiac United Education Coalition - PUEC
International Literacy Association
General Motors
Charles & Demetra Leonard Foundation
Oakland County Parks
Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
SAE Foundation
Detroit PBS Kids
Feel free to share your own literacy moments in the comments!

08/25/2026

Thank you Dolly Parton for the 📚you put in children’s hands. We Love Lit!

Celebrating 30 Years of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library!🎉

For 30 years, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been changing lives—one book, one child, one dream at a time. What started as a small-town promise in Tennessee has grown into a worldwide gift of literacy, inspiring a love of reading in over 270 million children in 5 countries.

Dolly’s vision was simple but powerful: every child deserves the joy of books, no matter where they come from. Today, because of her heart and generosity, and with the help of local program partners across the globe, millions of children have turned their first pages, discovered new worlds, and built brighter futures—one book at a time.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Dolly for showing us how to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More. Here’s to 30 years—and many more—of inspiring a lifelong love of reading! 📚

08/15/2026

🌟 **Celebrating Our Partnership: HIRE Pontiac! Interns **🌟

We’re excited to highlight the amazing collaboration between We Love Lit! and the dedicated HIRE Pontiac! interns. Through this partnership, our We Love Lit! children have engaged in enriching STEM activities that connect literacy and creativity.

From the inspiring story of Lonnie Johnson in *Whoosh* and the science behind the Super Soaker, our students are diving into the world of STEM! 🚀✨ They also had a blast with *The Ice Cream Man*, learning about Augustus Jackson and making delicious homemade ice cream, all while enhancing their reading skills.

This partnership is invaluable, fueling our children's curiosity and passion for STEM careers. Knowing they have the guidance of HIRE Pontiac! interns makes all the difference, bringing them one step closer to their dreams.

A heartfelt thank you to the HIRE Pontiac! interns for your incredible support and mentorship! We appreciate everything you do to inspire our young minds! 🙏💖

Together, we’re shaping a brighter future!
What are your favorite book and STEM activities? Post in the comments!


Pontiac United Education Coalition - PUEC
Pontiac Regional Chamber
Damany Head
General Motors

08/14/2026

🌟 **A Heartfelt Thank You to Kevin and Madison Jones!** 🌟

We want to take a moment to shine a light on ** Kevin and Madison Jones** for their years of dedication and service with **Pontiac READS!** and **We Love Lit!** Your commitment has not only made a difference in our community but has also inspired countless children to embrace the joy of reading. 📚❤️

Research shows that children who are read to and become confident readers develop empathy and understanding of diverse characters and experiences. This foundational skill helps them build their "empathy muscles," making them not only strong readers but also compassionate individuals. As Michigan State University students, Kevin and Madison exemplify this beautifully!

📖 **We Know Readers Are Leaders!** If you have high school students with a passion for reading and a desire to give back, **We Love Lit!** would be thrilled to have them join our volunteer team. Together, we can create a community of readers and leaders.

👉 **Visit our website to complete the volunteer form!**

https://welovelit.org/volunteer/
Let's continue to cultivate a love for reading and learning in our community. Together, we can make a difference! 🌍✨
*Check out this picture of Madison and Kevin from their early reading days, and now as young adults making an impact!*

Michigan State University
Pontiac United Education Coalition - PUEC
Pontiac Regional Chamber

08/02/2026

🎉 **Join Us for a Day of Fun and Giving!** 🎉

We’re thrilled to announce We Love Lit! will be in attendance for the 4th Annual Charles & Demetra Leonard Fundraiser** on **Saturday, August 8, 2026**, from **1:00 PM to 6:00 PM** at **Rotary Park** (304 Weston Street, Pontiac, MI 48341)! 🌟

**We Love Lit!** will have a story book trail of *The Ice Cream Man* and making delicious ice cream! 🍦📚 We're grateful for our partnership with the Charles and Demetra Foundation, which has helped our We Love Lit! families receive scholarships.

By attending and purchasing raffle tickets, you’re helping provide vital scholarships to our youth. Every ticket brings us closer to empowering the next generation through education.
Link: https://www.cdlfoundation.com/event-details/4th-annual-charles-and-demetra-leonard-fundraiser

✨ **Exciting Raffle Prizes Include:**
- Detroit Lions Tickets (Game of choice) 🏈
- 65" 4K Television 📺
- $250 Gas Card ⛽
- And more special prizes!

Come enjoy food, family, and friends while supporting a great cause. Let’s create pathways to brighter futures together! 💖

**Don’t miss out!** Get your tickets and join us for a fantastic day! 🎟️
Link: https://www.cdlfoundation.com/event-details/4th-annual-charles-and-demetra-leonard-fundraiser