In the age of iPads and Kindles, bookstores are often taken for granted. An actual store with printed reading material can seem as antique as last week’s Thanksgiving pumpkin pie.

Although we all have a love of books in common, we have forgotten that love sprouted from reading materials we picked up at libraries, schools and bookstores. Not so long ago, bookstores resigned supreme with their best sellers, staff picks and mazes of shelves. What adult hasn’t lost track of time in a passionate quest for bound reading material at a bookstore?

To pass along the sentiment to young readers, MacIntosh Bookstore on Sanibel Island will host its inaugural Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day Saturday, Dec. 3 with special guest Karen Kirk Richards reading and signing copies of her two children’s books Lovey the Piano Cat and There’s A Secret on Sanibel and Captiva, Too!

Richards, who will be at MacIntosh from 1 to 3 p.m., said she is “thrilled to be involved with this important event that encourages parents to take their children to bookstores.”

“I believe that the very act of reading a real book to children encompasses so much more than merely holding a screen in front of them,Richards continued. “I have read that research shows reading a real book to children involves more of their senses, from turning pages and the feel of a book to the smells of the pages of an oft-read favorite.”

TYCBD was created by mother Jenny Milcham who also happens to be a suspense writer. Here is what she had to say on her Web site, “Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day is designed not to just get kids reading, but to expose them to the unique pleasures spending time in a bookstore can bring.”

“Bookstores can be magical, concurred MacInstosh book advocate Rebecca Binkowski. “Taking home that perfect book, sitting down on mom or dad’s lap, and turning the pages while they read is one of those foundation experiences in childhood.”

Most people would agree bookstores can be special. After all, you can’t huddle in a quiet corner of an iPad to sort through stacks of pictures books with your toddler.

“MacIntosh has been a part of this community for over 50 years,noted Binkowski. “Every time you come through our door, you will be greeted by someone who loves to read and feels a real passion for what they do.”

In addition to Richards, MacIntosh will also have Ms Silvia painting faces; Deb Scheme of Sanibel Yoga will be reading Angelina Ballerina, giving a ballet lesson and a making a craft; and there will be community “heroes” reading Curious George and the Firemen and Police Officer’s on Patrol. All events will take place between 1 and 4 p.m. At MacInstosh Books and Paper, 2407 Periwinkle Way.

“Bookstores are a community resource,concluded Binkowski. “We help, we suggest, we encourage and we inspire.”