TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Over 500 students at Ruediger Elementary School received two free books each during the “Let’s Read” Book Fair Tuesday.
WCTV partnered with Midtown Reader and the Community Foundation of North Florida to help get books into the hands and homes of students in Leon County’s Title I schools, where access to books can be limited.
“To say we’re excited would be an understatement,” said Midtown Reader owner Sally Bradshaw as she waited for students to rush through the doors.
She said providing books for students to take home plays a key role in continuing learning outside the classroom.
“There’s something special about being able to pick out a brand new book, see yourself in the story and begin the process of reading, or continue that process at home,” Bradshaw said.
She added that reading at home can improve vocabulary and critical thinking skills.
The event marked the second of three book fairs scheduled this year, all aimed at encouraging early literacy and helping students build strong reading foundations.
“It helps reinforce all of that at home, what they are learning in school, and eventually they will learn that reading is fun,” said assistant principal of Ruediger Elementary School, Melissa Sumner.
Five hundred fifteen students attend Ruediger Elementary, and each student selected two books to take home, according to Sumner. Books were also set aside for students who were absent from school and couldn’t attend the book fair.
Bradshaw said the initiative began three years ago through a grant that is now in its final year. Organizers are hoping that community support will allow the program to continue.
The final book fair of the year is scheduled for next month at Hartsfield Elementary School.
Donations are still being accepted. More information can be found here.
“We hope it helps them build their home library and that will instill a lifelong love of learning and reading,” Bradshaw said.
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