Read Aloud Champions

For over fifty years, Nancy Armstrong has been enjoying reading aloud to thousands of children in a variety of settings: schools, AfterSchool 21 Century Community Learning Center programs, playgrounds, outdoor nature settings, classrooms, and many libraries. Some of her most memorable experiences were reading Owl Moon by Jane Yolen to 120 spellbound fourth graders over a campfire in Halsey National Forest – then the group went owling and spotted a Great Horned Owl. Another was reading Matilda by Roald Dahl during school and appointing a lookout at the door because “If the principal heard me yelling like Ms. Trunchbull, I would be fired immediately.” Reading aloud to her five younger siblings was always a fun time. “Nana, can we read five more books? her grandson has eagerly pleaded – she joyfully read more books! In addition to reading to students in the library, Mrs. Armstrong has worked tirelessly to get books and reading materials into the hands and homes of children. She has received two Expanded Opportunity Learning Grants from the State of Nebraska Lottery Funds to provide reading opportunities, thousands of books for home libraries, and reading resources for families. She has been a Friends of the Ogallala Library member for over 30 years and has helped distribute free books to every child who comes to the library for book sales. Armstrong recommends that parents, grandparents, and everyone interacting with children Read aloud to their children every day, beginning at birth and continuing throughout their lives. Read many different types of books, stories, articles, and poems. Have fun and enjoy the experience of reading! Mrs. Armstrong treasures being selected as the Nebraska Read Aloud Champion 2021 and has shared that it has been a highlight of her educational career!