Libraries and literacy are a natural fit.  We have the staff that knows how to connect people with the reading resources they need.  Literacy is significant at all ages, but it is especially important for the young – if a child can’t read by the third grade, the likelihood of graduating from high school is significantly reduced.  And if they don’t graduate from high school, they won’t have the opportunity to read and succeed here at IU East.

At the IU East Campus Library we believe it is important to reach out and mentor k-12 students to promote literacy and promote a mindset that college is a real possibility…IF they learn to read and if they develop the reading habit.  Library staff connects with local youth through involvement in special programs such as Third Grade Academy, Communities in Schools, and Early College.

Recently we had the opportunity to participate in the Indiana Campus Compact “Connections Discovery 2” grant that funded free books for 120 students in grades K-2 at Vaile Elementary School* in Richmond. They were treated to a visit from a Power Ranger, who shared a message about the “Power of Reading.”  The students were eager to read to us the titles of the books they received. Hopefully they will continue reading this summer and beyond…all the way to college…and confidently on to graduation!

*Special thanks to Vaile Library Assistant Celeste Badger, who coordinated the logistics for the visit.