Join First 5 and the San Bernardino County Museum Association on Saturday, October 15 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to get aboard the Reading Railroad at the Victor Valley Museum, a branch of the San Bernardino County Museum system. Admission to this special event is free, thanks to the support of First 5 San Bernardino and the SBCMA.

Each child age 0-5 will receive a free storybook, and kindergartners will receive a free backpack with school items, while supplies last. The event also includes games and activities for the whole family, all offered at no cost.

A dedication ceremony for the Victor Valley Museum’s Grant Lamson Children’s Collection is scheduled for 1 p.m. The collection of children’s books, housed in the museum’s Reading Room, was made possible by a contribution from Johnnie Ann Ralph. Ralph is the secretary of the SBCMA Board of Directors and retired dean of the library at California State University, San Bernardino. Books in the collection will be available for reading at the museum. Among the titles are children’s books about meteorites, minerals, dinosaurs, and stories about different cultures. The subject matter of the volumes pertains to the cultural and natural history of the high desert.

“At the grand opening of the Victor Valley Museum in March, I was impressed by the number of children looking at books in the Reading Room,” said Ralph. “I decided to establish the Grant Lamson Children’s Collection because I want children to read about their own backyard. I hope the collection will encourage reading. And yes—once a librarian, always a librarian.”

The Victor Valley Museum is at 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. Admission, usually $5 (adult), $4 (senior or military), and $2.50 (student), is free for everyone on Saturday, October 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children under 5 and San Bernardino County Museum Association members are always admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.

The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TDD) 909-792-1462.