Local children are invited to St. Joseph’s College in Standish for Kids Night Out and bedtime stories.

Kids, wear your pajamas and come join elementary education majors for reading, learning, and fun, starting Monday, Jan.21 and continuing once a month through April.

Children from area schools, grades K-3, are invited to listen to education majors read to them and munch on snacks. This free event, sponsored through the Saint Joseph’s chapter of Student Educators Association of Maine, will feature books and related activities that reflect seasonal themes.

“Everyone participating is excited to help the children develop their reading skills outside of the classroom and have some fun,” said Danielle Johnson of Standish, elementary education major and member of the Student Educators Association of Maine.

Future bedtime stories programs, which run 6-7:30 p.m., include Happy Valentine’s Day on Feb. 11, springtime activities on March 25 and celebrating Maine on April 29. Call 893-7723 for more information.

The Athletics Department is offering its Kids Night Out program Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Alfond Recreation Center. The event, open to children ages 7-13, includes games, movies, swimming, rock climbing, arts & crafts and sports and lasts from 5:30-9 p.m.

The cost will be $9 per child and $6 for each additional child from the same family. Food will also be available for purchase, including pizza, hot dogs, chips and candy.

Kids Night Out is sponsored and supervised by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at Saint Joseph’s College. No pre-registration is necessary. For more information, call 893-7723. Kids Night Out will also be offered Feb. 14, March 14 and April 11.