February 1, 2024 3:45 a.m.

The Celebration of Literacy is underway for the month of February.

Sponsored by Altrusa of Roseburg and the Umpqua Literacy Council, the annual series of events began twenty-three years ago.

Celebration of Literacy could also be described as an immersion into reading and reading related activities. Since the pandemic, the emphasis has been placed on giving books away. At every event, books will be provided for the children of Douglas County.

The theme this year is Magic in Books. Many events will have a magic show as well as a book giveaway.

The signature event will be held at Wildlife Safari in Winston on Saturday, February 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It will include a free drive-through of the park for cars from Douglas County. Included in the day’s activities will be free books under the dome, face-painting, a book wall, a book exchange, story time, origami making and a magic show.

Several of the county’s libraries will hold special events.

Also included is the literacy play. It will be written, produced and performed by the drama departments at Roseburg High School and Umpqua Community College. The play is for elementary students and will be performed the last week of the month.

For complete information about the Celebration of Literacy, go to. www.celebrationofliteracy.com.