MISSISSIPPI STATE – Boosting childhood literacy has become a community-wide enterprise in Neshoba County.

Since 2008, Rotary International and community members have visited the Exhibit Hall Head Start Center in Philadelphia each week to participate in the Neshoba County Preschool Literacy Project. The program is designed to encourage school readiness and provide access to books. Volunteers read aloud, sing songs and engage in story-related activities, creating a bond over classic titles such as Eric Carle’s “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”

Mississippi State University Extension Service child and family development area agent Karen Benson worked with Rotary club leaders to develop the program to meet Rotary’s statewide goal of improving preschool literacy.

“Language and literacy skills are among the top predictors of school performance,” Benson said. “The Rotary club wanted to do something to help reduce the drop-out rate in Neshoba County. When they began to discuss the problem, they learned children need early success in school or they give up. So we designed the program to engage young learners and get them excited about reading.”

The program runs September through March. Each month, a new book is selected and read weekly. Teachers plan activities to support the featured story and reinforce concepts taught. Every month, children receive a free book and packet of activities that encourage their parents to read at home with them.

Robert Lovern, former president of the Neshoba County Rotary and a driving force behind the program’s continued success, is proud of its impact.

“If we start with the children, and they grow up with an education, they’re more likely to go to college and get good jobs. We wanted to brighten the corner where we are, here in Neshoba County,” Lovern said. “So we give the children books and successful role models. For some of them, it’s the first book they’ve ever owned.”

In honor of National Library Week, April 10-16, program participants will receive a special packet of activity suggestions promoting the local library. They will also go on a field trip to the library at the end of the month.

“They’ll see what a big library is all about,” Benson said. “We’ll share a favorite story and sing songs.”

The Neshoba County Preschool Literacy Program is a model of community collaboration. Strong financial support from local businesses and individuals enables the Rotary Club to buy quality books. The Literacy Council contributes free informational material for parents. MSU Extension Service volunteers, Rotary International members, and community volunteers read. Benson coordinates the volunteer training, reading schedules and distribution of materials.

With 23 community volunteers serving seven classrooms of 4-year-olds, 140 children are able to share in the magic of great stories each week.

“You know you’re making a difference when parents say they didn’t know how much their children would like books, and they ‘have to buy books’ for birthdays and holidays instead of toys,” Benson said.