(UNION COUNTY, NJ) -- The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites children ages 12 and under to enjoy Sensory Friendly Storytime at three local public libraries in March, featuring readings by County Commissioners and other community leaders.

“Read Across America is something I look forward to every year; seeing the excitement in children’s faces as we come together and celebrate reading is one of the things that I love doing most as a County Commissioner,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This year, we are very proud to work with our local libraries to feature Sensory Friendly Storytime events that ensure all children will be able to participate and enjoy this inclusive, worry-free environment.”

“Storytime at the library is one of the joys of childhood, and we welcome every child to come and join in the fun with their friends, neighbors and visitors. We thank our partner libraries for helping us reach out to make Sensory Friendly Storytime a wonderful event for the young readers in our community,” said Union County Vice Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

Sensory Friendly Storytime is free of charge but registration is required in advance through Union County’s secure registration page, ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

Sensory Friendly Storytime is coordinated by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the public libraries of Hillside, Elizabeth and Plainfield.

Children of all abilities ages 12 and under are invited to attend any or all of the following sessions:

Thursday, March 2, 4:00pm – 5:00pm at the Hillside Public Library, 1409 Liberty Avenue in Hillside

Friday, March 3, 4:00pm – 5:00pm at the Elizabeth Public Library, 11 South Broad Street in Elizabeth

Monday, March 6, 4:00pm – 5:00pm at the Plainfield Public Library, 800 Park Avenue in Plainfield. 

For more information about activities and support services offered through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs visit ucnj.org/special-needs. To contact the office, use the online form at ucnj.org/special-needs, or call 908-527-4807 or 908-527-4781.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.