Planting Seeds Through Reading
One of my favorite places to go is the library. It’s true, I love books. Even on vacation, if we have time, we make a stop to the local library to see what it’s like and learn something new.
Getting books into the hands of vulnerable populations and with at-risk children while they are still in elementary school is important. Research shows children’s literacy levels strongly influence future educational success, employment opportunities, and long-term socioeconomic outcomes. These are elements all of us want to see in those we serve.
Let’s grow the reading habit with children in our families and communities!
Opportunities for books may be closer to you than you think! Here are a few ideas on where you can access books all year long.
🏠Have a child under the age of five? Sign them up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to receive a free book every month up until the age of 5. The book is delivered in their name to your home. That’s 60 books over a five-year span! To register, go to www.imaginationlibrary.com or contact Sarah Lindberg at slindberg@columbusunitedway.com
📚Free Little Libraries are spontaneously found in different areas of a community. Leave a book, take a book. Grown-ups and kids alike! The best part? Free Little Libraries are always open! To find a library in your area, visit https://littlefreelibrary.org/map
📖Schuyler is unique in that there are five free Community Book Gardens located throughout the community where books can be found. The goal of the book gardens is to increase literacy rates and the love of books. The five locations are found at the African Store, CHI Medical Clinic, Schuyler Public Library, Soak 3 Times Laundromat (on the highway), and the WIC office.
👒Nebraska Growing Readers has free digital access to picture books courtesy of our friends at Unite for Literacy. More than 400 original picture books in more than 40 languages can be found on this website. Check it out here https://www.uniteforliteracy.com/ngr/library
🔖Summer Reading Programs at local libraries are wonderful for children to be involved with. You can join the reading program at any point during the summer.
Let’s work together to get books into the hands of children!
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