Join in the dedication of the Steve Albers Early Learners area during a free event at Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W., on Saturday, June 8. The dedication of the Steve Albers Early Learning area is at 11 a.m., with free events starting after the ceremony and running until 3 p.m.

“This celebration will spotlight the importance of giving preschool children the tools to learn and read,” said Neel Parikh, executive director of Pierce County Library System. “The Early Learners area—where learning grows—will continue to honor the memory of our former Board of Trustees Chair Steve Albers and his service to Pierce County Library.”

The Launch into Literacy celebration will have something for everyone. At 11 a.m., people will gather for the dedication of the Steve Albers Early Learners area. From 1 to 2 p.m., Daffodil Princesses will read stories, and children will have a chance to meet Lily the Ladybug Librarian. From 2 to 3 p.m., all ages will laugh and learn with Louie Foxx’s One Man Side Show, with magic and comedy.

The Early Learners area provides a place to make learning fun for the whole family, through interactive, hands-on activities. Computers designed for kids have top software programs for children. Furniture arrangements allow parents and caregivers to work while watching their children play and read.

Albers died in July 2012. He strongly supported library access to early learning for every child, and served actively in the community. He took on leadership roles in many nonprofit organizations, including Pierce County Library Foundation from 1997 to 2006 and Pierce County Library‘s Board of Trustees from 2009 to 2012. Albers also helped raise funds for the Boys & Girls Club and United Way of Pierce County.

Launch into Literacy is a partnership program of United Way of Pierce County.