A Message from Middle Georgia Regional Library: Middle Georgia Regional Library rolls out new Early Literacy Kits to boost reading skills for Middle Georgia Children

The following is a recent press release from the Middle Georgia Regional Library:

Middle Georgia Regional Library rolls out new Early Literacy Kits to boost reading skills for Middle Georgia Children

(Macon, GA) – October 14, 2023– The Middle Georgia Regional Library (MGRL) introduces its innovative Early Literacy Kits. The kits are designed to support children ages birth through six years in the development of their reading skills and nurturing a lifelong love of reading. The goal of the kits is to significantly enhance reading scores and ensure that all Middle Georgia students are reading at their appropriate grade level by the third grade.

The Early Literary Kits have been curated to help parents and caregivers engage with their children in a fun and educational way and feature interactive learning tools including flashcards, sing-along board books, workbooks, and more for the children. The kit also includes and encourages parents to begin by reading a copy of Maya Payne Smart’s book “Reading for Our Lives”.

Denita Thomas, Affiliate Services Coordinator for MGRL, played a major role in the development of the kits. After attending a session at the 2022 Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) Conference in which Smart was a guest speaker, Thomas knew she wanted to join Smart’s cause. Thomas’ efforts earned grant funding from The Sandra Deal Grant which provided $4,800 towards the creation and distribution of the kits.

“I was motivated by her speech and wanted to join her war on reading,” said Thomas. “Mrs. Smart advocated so passionately for all kids to be successful readers and lifelong learners.”

The kits will be available for checkout at the following libraries beginning the week of October 16, 2023: