RALEIGH, N.C. — Librarians across the state recently celebrated National Library Week, shedding light on childhood literacy and the importance of books.
What You Need to Know
Two thirds of kids in the U.S. are reading below their grade level
The problem of childhood literacy was exacerbated during the pandemic
Read and Feed is a nonprofit that provides tutoring, healthy meals and free books to kids
They provide more than 30,000 books annually to kids across Wake County
Kids in North Carolina are pretty close to the average state reading proficiency, but that also means many are reading below their grade level. The nonprofit organization Read and Feed tutors kids in reading from kindergarten through fifth grade. It also provides healthy meals and an opportunity to build home libraries.
Two thirds of kids in the United States are unable to read with proficiency, according to the Nation’s Report Card. In Wake County, 42% of third graders were reading below grade level last year.
“If kids don’t master basic reading by third grade,” volunteer Carolyn Clark said, “they will probably be behind in reading forever.”
At Read and Feed, volunteers like Clark are trying to help close that gap.
“They get to choose what they want to take home,” Clark said. “So hopefully they will read it and start their library and develop a greater love of reading because they've got some books to choose from.”
Clark has been volunteering at Read and Feed for 12 years. She says it’s important to sort books into the proper grade level so kids don’t get overwhelmed.
“It's pretty exciting to watch little kids suddenly realize, you know, I can do this,” Clark said. “And, it just gives them a huge boost in their confidence level and their excitement about learning and hopefully puts them on a better track.”
Sandra Wagner completely agrees. She started volunteering at Read and Feed when she retired from a long library career.
“I can't describe to you the joy that it gives me to see kids love books,” Wagner said. “I didn't know I missed it so much until I started volunteering here. And so, it's no chore.”
Executive Director Sherry Shundra says many of the kids coming through their program are more than two years behind in reading level. Read and Feed has been around for 16 years, so literacy needs aren’t new. But post-pandemic, that need increased a lot, especially for students from diverse families.
By the end of the year, Read and Feed will provide more than 30,000 books to students across Wake County. They are currently serving 360 students at 14 sites across Wake County. Their mobile units travel around bringing books to schools and events to help kids get excited about reading.
