MONROE — Since 2015, Monroe Clinic & Hospital Foundation has sponsored “Reach Out and Read,” a program dedicated to helping the pediatric and family medicine staff put over 5,000 books into the hands of young patients while promoting the importance of literacy.

Monroe Clinic will present, with the support of the Monroe Optimists, a “Reach Out and Read” event featuring “Sally the Stone and Friends” at Monroe Clinic.

Local author Sally Schnarr will spotlight her children’s book “Sally the Stone and Friends” with a reading and stone painting activity at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 at the Monroe Clinic Hospital Lobby, 515 22nd Ave. The event will include a book reading and stone painting to follow. 

The event is free and open to the public. The first 30 families will receive a free book. 

Participating children will have the opportunity to paint two stones: one to keep and one that will go on display in a stone path at the Monroe Art Center, 1315 11th St.