A Gift We Share: Fostering a Love for Reading in Lawrence County
A Gift We Share: Fostering a Love for Reading in Lawrence County
As we settle into the new school year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on one of the most important gifts we can give our children: the gift of reading. There is something magical about a new book, the weight of it in your hands, the turning of the pages, and the worlds that open up with every story. This magic is what we strive to share with every student in our district.
Our school system is fortunate to have a strong foundation for literacy. All six of our schools have a full-time, certified media specialist—a librarian—who works tirelessly to build rich library collections and support our students and teachers. In our elementary and middle schools, students have scheduled library time to explore new books and develop a passion for reading. Our high schoolers have the freedom to visit the library as needed, whether for research or to simply find a book to read for pleasure.
But the work of literacy starts much earlier, long before a child steps into a classroom. It begins at home, on a parent’s or grandparent’s lap, with a book. Reading to and with children, even infants, helps build their vocabulary, strengthens their language skills, and lays the groundwork for future learning. It’s never too early to start! For our youngest learners, reading aloud, pointing out pictures, and just making story time a part of your daily routine can make all the difference.
Lawrence County is also proud to be part of an amazing program called Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This initiative sends a brand-new, age-appropriate book to registered children from birth until they turn five, completely free of charge. This wonderful program helps us ensure that every young child in our community has a library of their own at home. I’m happy to share that we now have over 600 children in Lawrence County participating in the Imagination Library, and it doesn’t cost their families a thing. To register a child and get them started on this exciting reading journey, simply visit the Imagination Library website and enter your information. You can find the link to register at www.imaginationlibrary.com.
As a community, let’s continue to champion the power of reading. Let’s make sure our kids know that books are a gateway to knowledge, imagination, and a future full of possibilities. The excitement on a child’s face when they find a book they love is a reminder that the best gifts often come with a story.
