A special story time was held recently at the Boone Area Library in Birdsboro when Miss Pennsylvania's Teen 2023 Lizzie Shacklett stopped by to read her book, "I Read Before Bed."

Lizzie, 15, is also the founder of Literacy Is Lit, an initiative that promotes books and reading. She visits local libraries to promote the effort, which includes hosting book donation drives for families in need and spreading the word about the importance of literacy.

"I have been able to do appearances all across the state of Pennsylvania at various libraries and schools. They are my favorite because I get to talk about my community service initiative, Literacy Is Lit," Lizzie said. "I also had the opportunity to visit the state Capitol with some of our local senators and representatives to talk about the importance of literacy."

"Literacy Is Lit," which has a motto of "Finding & Filling the Literacy Gap," has collected and distributed more than 7,300 books to organizations across the state that support literacy for children.

Lizzie was crowned Miss Pennsylvania's Teen at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts in York on June 16, 2023. Prior to the pageant, she authored "I Read Before Bed," a 24-page picture book for young readers. The story follows Katie and her five friends as they discover what they can learn and apply to their daily life by reading books at home. Some of the concepts in the book include the importance of recycling, healthy eating, kindness and respect.

"I wrote the book almost two years ago before I was crowned," said Lizzie, who is a student at the Agnes Irwin School in Delaware County. "Miss Pennsylvania (who previously visited the Boone Area Library) has a full-time job, and she attends appearances literally every day across the state. I have to go to school, so it's a different case for me. I usually attend appearances on the weekends."

After reading her own book to the youngsters, Lizzie read "How to Catch a Leprechaun" and "The Night Before St. Patrick's Day" in observance of the upcoming St. Patrick's Day holiday. Lizzie noted that she will turn 16 on St. Patrick's Day, Sunday, March 17.

She also taught the children about Irish step dancing and provided a mini lesson so that they could give it a try. An accomplished Irish step dancer, Lizzie placed seventh at the World Irish Dance Championships in Montreal, Canada, in April 2023. At the pageant, Lizzie was awarded the overall talent winner for her dramatic Irish step dancing performance.

Lizzie also led a craft activity with the youngsters, making and decorating bookmarks. She spent time visiting with the children who attended story time and posted photos.

Although Lizzie's tiara was firmly attached to her head during the visit, she said that she does allow others to touch the bejeweled tiara. "I let people touch it. I let kids try it on," she said. "It's magical, and I love passing on the magic to everyone."

For more information about Lizzie and information on how to purchase her book, visit http://www.lizzieshacklett.com. Proceeds from book sales will benefit the Literacy Is Lit organization.

"Story Time with Miss Amber," led by Amber Hamel, youth program coordinator, is held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. The program is geared for children ages 2 to 6, but youngsters of all ages are welcome. No registration is required.

The Boone Area Library is located at 129 N. Mill St., Birdsboro. For more information about library programming, visit http://www.facebook.com/boonearealibrary or http://www.berkslibraries.org/branch/boone.