Safe from the Start San Jose Promotes Literacy with the 2nd Annual Book Circus 2004 - San Jose Event Second in Series of Fun and Educational Programs Championing Childrens Well-Being

2nd Annual Book Circus Announced for Saturday March 20, 2004 - Produced by the non-profit agency Safe from the Start San Jose

San Jose, Calif. (PRWEB) March 19, 2004 - A community celebration of literacy held for San Jose children and their families will be the focus of the 2nd Annual San Jose Book Circus on Saturday, March 20 at the new Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in downtown San Jose.

The event is produced and cosponsored by San Jose City Councilmember Cindy Chavez and the non-profit organization Safe from the Start San Jose to promote the joy and benefits of reading. Every young child who attends the Book Circus will be given a new book.

The heart of literacy in our city is in our libraries, and our new Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library is at the heart of our downtown," said Cindy Chavez, City of San Jose Councilmember District 3. Family entertainment and literacy will merge at the Book Circus and give children and their families a wonderful opportunity to explore the wonderful world of books."

One of the unique features at the event will be a heavy equipment petting zoo," hosted by Gilbane Building Company and the Building and Construction Trades Council. Younger guests can climb aboard and get up close and personal with equipment such as a cement mixer, backhoe and fire engine from some of the development companies that built the new Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, the nations first university--city library.

Excellence in construction management and excellence in relationships with our community are held in high regard by the Gilbane Building Company," said Kamal Ariss, Gilbanes senior business development manager. Were proud of our role in the construction of the new King Library, and the Book Circus allows us to keep building on that solid foundation to help children make connections with literacy and their own downtown."

Book Circus entertainment will include story telling, stage shows, book sale, spelling bee, and other fun activities. Very special guests will join the crowd that day, including Bob the Builder, Dora the Explorer, S.J. Sharkie, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Shady Shakespeare, authors, celebrities, leaders and friends.    

The Friends of the San Jose Public Library, an organization created to support literacy throughout the community, will host a book sale to support local libraries throughout the community.

The days activities are made possible through Safe from the Start San Jose, San Juan Bautista Child Development Center, and other key community members.

The noted child behaviorist Jean Piaget said, ' ... A child comes to know by doing and needs active challenges to stimulate the construction of knowledge. We have a responsibility to 'make a difference, and champion events that provide support for our communitys most valuable resource," said Kent Williams, executive assistant, San Juan Bautista Child Development Center. The San Juan Bautista Child Development Center and I, are very pleased to be associated with this years San Jose Book Circus, and honored to be a part of its planning."

Safe from the Start San Jose is thankful for its many supportive donors, honorary publishers for the day" who have made generous donations towards the Book Circus. One such publisher" is the President of KB Home Northern California, Robert Freed. KB Home is pleased to contribute to the San Jose Book Circus to help provide children with the opportunity to experience the adventures and worlds of imagination that come with reading," said Freed.

Brian Bumb, owner and general manager of The San Jose Flea Market, is another honorary publisher for the day." The San Jose Flea Market has been a family oriented business for more than 43 years, and we strongly believe in the welfare of all children. The Flea Market gives back to our community in a variety of ways including hosting our own annual events like the Childrens Summer Funfest, and Open Air Community Health Fair," said Bumb.

Bumb continued, We also annually support the Boy Scouts of America, Charlie Wiedermeyer All-Star Football Classic, San Jose Childrens Musical Theater, and may other worthwhile causes. All of us at The Flea Market are proud to support Safe from the Start San Jose and the San Jose Book Circus, because we believe it is important to encourage children to include reading in their daily regimen. The increased knowledge and enhanced vocabulary acquired through daily reading will empower children, and help pave the way towards a brighter tomorrow. "

Included in the throngs of VIPs present at the Book Circus, will be the numerous authors, illustrators and editors for the day," a group of donors and companies that were among those that sponsored this event, helping to guarantee its success. These include: Lee Sandwiches, Santa Clara Family Health Foundation, Gilbane Building Company, San Juan Bautista Child Development Centers, FIRST 5 of Santa Clara County, Kimball Small Properties, Building and Construction Trades Council, Louis Engineering, San Jose City Councilmembers: Nora Campos, Cindy Chavez, Judy Chirco, David D. Cortese, Terry O. Gregory, Linda J. Le Zotte, Chuck Reed, Forrest Williams, Ken Yeager, Vice Mayor Pat Dando and Mayor Ron Gonzales; Devcon Construction Company, The Steinberg Group, Centex Homes, Applied Materials, Rudolph and Sletten Engineering, Regis Homes, George Shirakawa, Jr. and the ROEM Corporation.

Among the upcoming events planned under the Safe from the Start San Jose umbrella is, the 2nd annual summer lunch program that provides well-balanced nutritional meals more than 50,000 children when school is not in session.

About Safe from The Start San Jose
Safe from the Start San Jose, a non-profit 501C3 organization in conjunction with Santa Clara Family Health Foundation, was founded with the goal of supporting and advocating the creation of an environment where children can thrive. A three-pronged approach of safety, literacy and nutrition is promoted through activities and events that champion and preserve the healthy development of children. To reach Safe from the Start San Jose call 408.287.3282, or use e-mail: ssouders@safefromthestartsanjose.org.