Above: Mississippi children’s book author John Stark sings with a class from Dawson Elementary at the One Jackson Many Readers Summer Reading Press Conference held at the Eudora Welty Library on May 9th.
One Jackson Many Readers is a true collaborative model with the goal of preventing academic learning loss. Educational research shows that children can lose up to three months of academic learning over the summer months. Summer reading is the remedy and the gateway to more reading. As one educator put it, readers are simply successful people.
Pages of Promise is a book drive promoted by The United Way in partnership with various schools, organizations, and businesses. The books are collected and distributed to libraries and sometimes directly to students. This year we surpassed the goal of collecting 4,000 books. So far The United Way has collected 5,400 books in addition to monetary donations that have yet been used to purchase summer reading books.
A book donated to the Jackson-Hinds Public Library system encourages families to use our libraries–the coolest place in town during the summer. A book given to a student may be the only book he or she has ever owned.
Throughout the summer, The United Way of the Capitol Area with its many partners is providing numerous opportunities for students and families to celebrate and receive support for summer reading. Book club meetings at neighborhood libraries abound.
A Parent Orientation for summer reading will be held on Saturday, May 12 at The Children’s Museum. Meanwhile, churches and community groups like The Boys and Girls Club are being trained by MPB to help support summer reading in their neighborhood programs.
Several Summer Reading Parties are also scheduled: A scavenger hunt at The Jackson Zoo; a special appearance at The Ag Museum from The Electric Company, sponsored by MPB; and two more events later in the summer at New Horizon Church and The Jackson Medical Mall. See full schedule here.
The Press Conference held on May 9th was another energy booster to an already enthusiastic group of summer reading supporters. This year First Lady Kathy Johnson has taken on the role of Summer Reading Ambassador and the kids from Dawson Elementary couldn’t have been more eager or patient while the adults took pictures!
Ronnie Agnew, executive director of MPB, illustrated the importance of reading with a story from his own family. His parents worked as share croppers with a sixth-grade education and made it their goal that all eight children would learn to read and finish school. Ronnie reflected on his childhood responsibility of reading the mail for his parents. Now all eight children have surpassed their parents dreams and hold graduate degrees! Ronnie urged Jacksonians to read and show children the pleasure of reading as his parents did.
Similarly, Mayor Harvey Johnson encouraged us to reach out of our comfort zone and connect with young people who might not have readers in their families.
Above: Media coverage after the One Jackson Many Readers press conference. I like all the local networks interviewing local leaders about READING!!! Left: Carol Burger, CEO/President of The United Way of the Capitol Area; Middle: Mayor Harvey Johnson; Right: Executive Director of MPB Ronnie Agnew.
Sue Berry of Jackson Friends of the Library presented a $5,000 donation check to support summer reading activities. Berry also commented on Eudora Welty’s love of books, how Eudora loved the smell and feel of books. Many participants echoed this love for a real book, noting that it did not carry the distractions of an electronic device.
Carol Burger, president and CEO of The
Carol Burger, president and CEO of The United Way of the Capitol Area, acknowledged the Director of Education Initiatives for The United Way Shawna Davie (above, left). For three years, Shawna has led the Pages of Promise book drive and summer events that support families in reading. She is a core member of the OJMR steering committee.
Other core members leading OJMR are Rhoda Byler Yoder (left, center), JPS Curriculum Director for Language Arts; Ruth Davis, JHLS Youth Services Director; Rebecca Starling, JPS Partners in Education Director; Mandy Scott, UW Marketing Director, and Peggy Hampton, JPS Public Relations Director. Together OJMR leaders are establishing a foundation for students, parents, individuals, groups, organizations and businesses to get behind summer reading.
One Jackson Many Readers is now being discussed and recognized at national conferences. Though a summer reading partnership between the Jackson-Hinds Library System and JPS has existed since 1999, the past three years have taken summer reading to a new level.
All of the supporters of One Jackson Many Readers have one thing in common: a huge heart for Jackson and its young people. Mayor Johnson couldn’t resist saying it, and I can’t either: It takes a village to raise a child. It sure does feel like a lot of people are coming out to support our young people with this program. If you’re not already involved, The United Way of the Capitol Area has many ways to contribute. Click here to learn more.
Lemuria was even recognized in a recent article in Publisher’s Weekly for its community involvement with the Pages of Promise book drive. Read more here. Lemuria is honored to be a part of One Jackson Many Readers and the Pages of Promise Book Drive. You can still donate one book or a thousand and receive the 20% discount!
Comments are closed.