Loretta Broker hopes all grandparents join her in reading to their grandchildren and all children.
Broker has been doing this at St. Martins School, where two of her grandchildren attend, for the past three years, and did it at Russellville schools for 10 years earlier when other grandchildren were in school there.
"Every Wednesday I come out and wear a hat to go along with the story I'm reading," she said. "I've always read to my grandkids, no matter what. I just love to read and act silly."
By doing this, Broker hopes kids will want to keep reading as they grow up.
Broker works with not only the young children in the area, but also the young at heart.
After she retired from being activity director at Villa Marie Skilled Nursing for 10 years in 2003, Broker continued to dress up as a clown and go to area nursing homes as "Susie Q," wearing a big orange wig and big flowers.
"I hopefully bring a smile to both age groups," she said.
Broker said she started off as a professional mother, then as her children went off to college she worked at various jobs, including working in Gov. John Ashcroft's office.
Her hat collection has grown through the years. She has a wizard hat to go along with a wizard story about Mickey Mouse. She also has a skunk hat, a bat hat and a lobster hat.
"I hope to continue to do this as long as I can," Broker said. "I've had a pretty eventful life. I acted in grade school and college, and I think that's what gave me the freedom to be in front of people."
"I love to do it - my grandkids expect no less," she said.