NORTHEAST TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) \u2014 A Tallahassee program is using storytime to connect children with real-life heroes in their own neighborhoods.<\/p>\n
WATCH FULL REPORT BELOW:<\/p>\n
Tallahassee program pairs firefighters with kids to build literacy and community bonds<\/p>\n
Books & Ladders partners with local fire departments to bring firefighters into schools, libraries and community spaces, where they read with children, answer questions and teach fire safety.<\/p>\n
The program was created by Edward Clark Jr., founder of Be Your Own Hero Motivational Network. Clark dresses as a superhero and uses interactive storytelling<\/a> to get children excited about reading. Through Books & Ladders, he is bringing firefighters into that mission as real-life heroes.<\/p>\n Clark said he needs community members to help.<\/p>\n “I believe strongly that a community that invest in a child’s literacy they will invest in a child’s future a child that reads is an adult that thinks,” Clark said.<\/p>\n The stories used in the program focus on heroism, teamwork, safety and adventure. Every child leaves with a copy of the book and a small toy.<\/p>\n Books & Ladders is holding its Dine for Literacy event Monday, Sept. 14, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Texas Roadhouse on Capital Circle Northeast. The event is an opportunity for community members to help put more books into children’s hands.<\/p>\n This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website. <\/a><\/p>\n Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.<\/p>\n Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us on Instagram <\/a>and X.<\/a><\/p>\n