Books on Break!
Chatham Reads, a program of Chatham Education Foundation in partnership with Chatham County Schools (CCS) hosts Books on Break at elementary schools in Chatham’s low-income and rural school communities. These free book fairs were first held in 2016 at 2 schools, and students took home close to 5,400 books. Each year since, CEF has expanded the program to reach more children which now serves 9 locations. Students take home more than 10,000 books each year!
Why?
Statistics show that two out of three children living in poverty do not have books in their homes. More than 80% of children from economically disadvantaged communities can lose one to three months of reading skills over the summer. This can add up to 3 years of learning loss by the 5th grade, leaving them lagging behind their more affluent peers.
Where?
Schools are chosen for the program based on the percentage of students who receive free and reduced lunch, as low-income families are less likely to have books in their homes or access, especially over the summer, to school and public libraries. Research shows that just 15 – 20 minutes of reading a day can make a real difference in counteracting learning loss.
These book fairs allow students to choose books they will enjoy reading during the summer months and add them to their home libraries.
How?
Volunteers are needed to set-up the fairs and help students choose their books!
Donations are also needed to support the book fairs! You can designate your gift to Books on Break, and companies can partially or fully sponsor fairs at specific schools. More information at business sponsorships is available here.
