TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – WCTV is partnering with Midtown Reader to bring book fairs to local Title I elementary schools through the \u201cLet\u2019s Read\u201d initiative.<\/p>\n
School leaders survey students to learn their interests, whether it\u2019s sharks or sports to adventure stories or graphic novels. That list is then sent to Midtown Reader, which selects and delivers the books.<\/p>\n
The goal is to promote literacy and help every child build a home library. Through community donations, each student can choose and take home two free books at no cost to their families.<\/p>\n
The first of three fairs begins Tuesday at Oak Ridge Elementary School. Principal Michael Landrum said reading opens doors for students.<\/p>\n
\u201cLiteracy is very important. It provides students with opportunities to go places they could possibly never go in physically, so a book takes them in certain places they can dream and imagine, and if they can dream and imagine it, they will eventually probably get there if they do the right things,\u201d Landrum said.<\/p>\n
Sally Bradshaw, owner of Midtown Reader, said early access to books is critical, especially by third grade. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a greater chance of school drop out amongst children who don\u2019t read on third grade level, among those children are more likely to commit crimes and we want to reverse that,\u201d Bradshaw said. \u201cIf we can get to these children early, and focus on providing at home libraries and excitement and enthusiasm about reading, we know we can improve their academic success rates.\u201d<\/p>\n
Organizers have raised just over $5,000 so far and say they are making another push to put even more books into the hands of students at Title I schools on Leon County.<\/p>\n
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