(lively music) - What happens when Daniel Tiger, trick-or-treating, and a library full of books all comes together?

PBS Utah's Annie Frazier is here to talk about this year's Reading Marathon Kickoff Party from beloved PBS characters and STEAM activities to rewards that inspire daily reading.

The Reading Marathon remains one of childhood's greatest adventures.

And the theme this year, "The Power to Read," and Annie is showcasing that right now.

Hey, what are you reading?

What's up, Annie?

- I'm just busy reading, getting ready for the Reading Marathon.

And I brought Whyatt here from "Super Why" and it's a new show, well, a reboot of a show that talks about the science of reading and can help children as they reach their reading goals and have some fun with it.

- I love how this is instilling a passion and a love for reading with kids at a young age, and to see so many kids show up and just participate and have fun and ask questions.

What does it mean to you to do this year after year?

- You know, I hear so many beautiful stories.

We have families who are reading in all sorts of languages to one another.

They're coming together at night to read together and making those warm memories.

And even we have children who are reading to their pets.

So knowing that they are having fun and that they are exploring the world of literacy is amazing.

- [Liz] There's so much joy and amazement.

How does it feel for you to see that amazement in a child's eyes when they see some of the characters in person that they've been reading about?

- You know, last year, we saw somebody meet Carl the Collector, and it was a child who was autistic herself, and she was so excited.

And as she told her mom, "I got to meet Carl.

I got to meet Carl.

He's just like me."

And it was so beautiful to know that these shows represent so many of us.

And it's nice to see ourselves on screen and it's nice to be able to meet those friends in person and get excited to read.

- And I love that it's something that's also accessible and you guys make it accessible as well with parking, and it's a free event, right?

- Yes, free event, trick-or-treating, wear your costumes, get your face painted and just enjoy a nice time.

And the library has two hours of free parking.

So driving and parking shouldn't even be an obstacle as well.

- Love that, well, thank you so much for stopping by and I might be stopping by your office for that book.

(Annie laughing) If you'd like to check out the PBS Utah 2026 Reading Marathon Kickoff Party, it's happening October 24th, 10 AM until 1 PM.

Just head to pbsutah.org/reading for more details.

I'm Liz Adeola.

Thank you so much for watching "Contact."

(lively music) Philanthropy, arts, culture.

It's what brings us together.

Hi, I'm Liz Adeola, the new host of “Contact,” a show that connec with local events and organizati that serve your community.

If you work for a nonprofit and to be on “Contact,” please visit pbsutah.org/contact