The grand opening of the Joe Crowley Student Union is encouraging extended programming on campus, including an increasing number of family-friendly activities. The Work and Family Taskforce (WFT) will launch Story Time, an hour-long reading program for children ages 4 to 7 and their parents or care providers. The monthly program will host its first meeting at 10:30 a.m., Dec. 1, in the Getchell Library Instruction Room.

"The Taskforce is one of the University diversity committees and one of our goals is to encourage parents and children to experience diversity and inclusion through favorite children's books," said Alina Solovyova, Teaching Learning and Technologies instructional designer and WFT co-chair. "We are inviting families onto campus who may have never thought to bring their young kids here."

Cindy Wood, library associate for Washoe Country School District, will kick off the first program as guest reader. Wood is employed in the Nell J. Redfield Learning and Resources Center, a collaboration of the College of Education and the Washoe County School District (WCSD).

Story Time is also recruiting other guest readers who are available on Saturday mornings.

"We wanted to make this program as family-friendly as possible and that means being sensitive to the schedules of people who have kids," Solovyova said. "I have two children so I know that it would be difficult to bring children here after traditional hours. That's when most families are dealing with dinner. A Saturday schedule accommodates both children and their parents or care providers."

The program is free and light snacks will be provided. Children must accompanied by a parent or care provider. Parking is also free in any University parking zone.

The Work and Family Taskforce assists University faculty, staff, and students and encourages the University to develop family-friendly policies and services. It is one of six University diversity committees.