An exciting new Story Time is coming to Bookmans Phoenix. Accomplished local author and storyteller, Tom Leveen will be joining us on Tuesday mornings at 10am starting on September 6th for a brand new program called Music & Movement. Bookmans is partnering with Tom and the Phoenix Public Library through a grant by First Things First to extend love of reading to our local community. Tom comes to us with many years of experience in promoting children’s literacy, writing, storytelling and community involvement. We are delighted for the opportunity to work with him!

Tom Leveen

Tom grew up in Phoenix where he cultivated an interest for stories. After graduating from Arizona State University, Tom worked at Scottsdale Public Library and co-owned a performing art space in the East Valley. Tom’s storytelling skills come into play now that he is an Early Literacy Outreach Specialist for the Phoenix Public Library. As a father of a 5-year-old, he knows how important it is to develop word recognition, bonding and language at an early age – essential elements of early literacy. Not only is Tom an advocate for reading, he is also a successful author of ten (soon to be eleven) novels. He brings his love of performing arts, music and literature into his dynamic storytelling program.

In addition to Music & Movement at Bookmans Phoenix, Tom presents story hours at the Mesquite Library. He describes Mesquite as a very diverse and active branch. “It’s a neighborhood library inside a great metropolis. It has the advantages of a big city but feels like a small community. There are programs for all ages at the Mesquite branch: children, families, teens and adults.” We are excited to have Tom Leveen bring his expertise to Bookmans Phoenix on Tuesdays at 10am.

Story time is not just for kids, but for the whole family. As Tom points out, consistent reading on the parents’ part is crucial to literary development in children. So each Tuesday morning at 10am, we invite parents and kids to hang out, have a great time with books and let their imaginations run wild. We’re honored to have Tom join the team as a storyteller at Bookmans Phoenix and we can’t wait to get started!