TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – WCTV is partnering with Midtown Reader and the Community Foundation of North Florida for another year of the \u201cLet\u2019s Read\u201d initiative, aimed at expanding access to books for students in Title I schools in Leon County.<\/p>\n
The charitable program focuses on promoting community literacy by bringing free book fairs directly to Title I schools. The initiative is built around a simple idea: ensuring every child has the opportunity to take books home.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know the data on third graders who don\u2019t read on grade level by the end of third grade, and it\u2019s not good,\u201d said Sally Bradshaw, owner of Midtown Reader.<\/p>\n
Bradshaw emphasized the long-term impact of literacy, noting that reading proficiency by third grade is a key indicator of future academic success. Studies show strong reading skills are linked to higher graduation rates and reduced crime.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is to make book fairs in Title I schools a very similar experience that so many of us grew up with, exciting, colorful, fun and imaginative,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
While reading at home plays a critical role in a child\u2019s development, not every student has access to books outside the classroom. Midtown Reader manager Caylee Wilson said the \u201cLet\u2019s Read\u201d initiative is designed to help close that gap.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re growing their comprehension skills, their critical thinking skills, and giving them confidence and creativity, while also helping them see themselves in the stories they\u2019re reading,\u201d Wilson said.<\/p>\n
Wilson attended a Title I elementary school and understands the challenges of limited access to books. She said that experience motivates her involvement in the initiative.<\/p>\n
Through donations, the Let\u2019s Read campaign is funding three book fairs at Leon County Title I schools. The goal is for every student who attends the fair to be able to select and take home two books at no cost.<\/p>\n
The first book fair will be at Oak Ridge Elementary School on February 24th.<\/p>\n
Community members interested in supporting the Let\u2019s Read initiative can donate<\/a> to help ensure every participating student leaves with books of their own.<\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n