TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Students flooded the media center at Oak Ridge Elementary on Tuesday and they all got to pick out two free books to take home.
In all, 460 students received books to kick off the first of three “Let’s Read” book fairs.
Those students spent the day searching for the perfect books.
This book fair is part of “Let’s Read,” a partnership between WCTV and Midtown Reader, aimed at boosting literacy in Leon County’s Title I schools.
Leon County Schools’ Director of Federal Programs, Dr. April Knight said it’s important for kids to read to learn but also to love to read.
“Immediately after receiving their books, everyone wanted to go read their books, so that’s what Let’s Read is all about,” Knight said. “The students, even a pre-Ker can take ownership of what it is they are reading and maybe not as much realizing at this stage, that they are taking ownership of their learning.”
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Parents like Natasha Acoff understand how important literacy is.
“Literacy is important and being able to read, being able to express yourself, and being able to understand what you’re reading and comprehend that, just opens a world of learning,” Acoff said.
With a kindergartner and a third grader, Acoff said these books are more than just stories, they’re tools to help build a home library.
“Having those books at home allows me as a parent to be able to add to what they’re already getting at school,” she said.
Oak Ridge Elementary principal Michael Landrum said research shows reading on grade level by the third grade is closely linked to long-term academic success.
“When students are able to read, they can be very successful in school, and it also sets them up for life,” Landrum said.
For many families, access to free books helps remove a barrier.
For the team at Midtown Reader who put on the fair, watching students pick stories they’re excited about is the whole point.
“We are creating and sparking a lifelong love for learning and reading and that’s the most exciting part about it,” Caylee Wilson, the manager of Midtown Reader said.
There are two more book fairs coming up at Ruediger and Hartsfield Elementary Schools.
You can still donate to help put books into the hands of more students, supporting future teachers, doctors and leaders in Leon County.
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