Big Book Donation Targets Literacy
The Indiana Department of Education is partnering with an international nonprofit to deliver 40,000 books to support literacy initiatives throughout the state. Superintendent Glenda Ritz says access to books is "essential" to boosting the state’s literacy rate.
The department worked with First Book, a global nonprofit that focuses on providing new, free and low-cost books to kids from low-income families. The books will go to 21st Century Community Learning Centers sites this month. IDOE says the centers provide educational services including tutoring, mentoring, character education and recreational activities.
In a release from the department, Ritz said, "I am excited to announce that 40,000 free books were delivered to Indiana today to support Hoosier students. I have always said, a reader is not someone who can read, a reader is someone who does read. However, ensuring access to books is essential to promoting literacy access our state. Today’s announcement is an important step in providing all students with access to essential literacy resources."
The donation is part of the state’s Hoosier Family of Readers initiative.