MANSFIELD — The Big Red Bookshelf kicks off its fifth year of providing books to children birth to third grade in Richland County.
These books can be read and returned or kept in the home. The Big Red Bookshelf will kick-off its year with an event on Martin Luther King Jr Day.
Children and their families are invited to the Richland Academy of the Arts on Monday, January 16 from 10:45-1:45 to hear a reading of “Llama, Llama, Red Pajama” and receive a free copy of the book as well as enjoying snacks and other activities throughout Downtown Mansfield.
The Mansfield Mavericks basketball team and cheerleaders will be on hand to read to the children.
The Big Red Bookshelf collects new and gently used books appropriate for children ages infant through third grade at book drives throughout the year.
The books are used to continually stock 9 Big Red Bookshelves in Richland County including the Mansfield Area YMCA, Richland County Children Services, Richland Job and Family Services, Richland County Child Enforcement Agency, Shelby Helpline, Oakwood Estates, Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department WIC program, the Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center, and the new Lucas Community Center.
Studies have shown that children who struggle with basic reading skills are more likely to drop out of school. Having books in the home increases literacy rates is one of the many ways to increase literacy rates. According to the 2010-2011 Kindergarten Readiness Assessment for Literacy, 43 percent of children entering kindergarten in Richland County needed intense instruction and 32% needed targeted instruction related to literacy skill development.
The Big Red Bookshelf is an ongoing project of the United Way of Richland County.
If you, your company or organization would like to host a book drive or make a donation for new books; please call the United Way at 419-525-2816.
