FOR A GOOD CAUSE -- Kathy Arcurio

Paul Clinton

Growing up with books inspired Kathy Arcurio. Now, the Costa Mesa

mother reads to children at two local bookstores as a way to pass along

that inspiration.

“It’s something that I grew up with and now I’m passing it on to the

kids,” Arcurio said. “It builds their vocabulary, also the concentration

factor.”

One of her favorite books to read to children is “A Visit to the

Hospital,” first published in 1958. Her own well-worn copy has held up

well and is still popular after more than 40 years.

She also reads titles written by Dr. Seuss, entries in the “Curious

George” series and others that teach children how to interact with the

world.

Arcurio, 44, reads twice a week at two Costa Mesa bookstores --

Borders Books, Music & Cafe and The White Rabbit. Her reading club, known

as Kathy’s Bookworms, attracts a gang of 2- and 3-year-olds on Mondays

and Fridays.

Several years ago, Arcurio left her sales job at a large retail store

to raise her daughter Madelyn. As a stay-at-home mom, Arcurio’s reading

sessions with her own daughter were the springboard for the reading club.

The moment Arcurio treasures comes when she sees the effect she is

having during a reading session.

“I just really get excited when the kids just sit and their eyes get

big,” Arcurio said. “I know how important it is to them.”

Arcurio usually reads for the first half of the hour session, then

leads the children in a craft. Whether it’s making paper hearts for

Valentine’s Day or clovers for St. Patrick’s Day, the craft always

matches the story.

The Costa Mesa woman reads from 10 to 11 a.m. Mondays at Borders on

Newport Boulevard in Costa Mesa. and 11 a.m. to noon Fridays at The White

Rabbit, in South Coast Plaza.

“It’s a passion of mine,” Arcurio said. “It’s just so fulfilling to

me.”

For more information on the program, call Borders at (949) 631-8661 or

The White Rabbit at (714) 445-0010.