Grassroots Book Access
The most pressing issue we are facing is that 70 to 80 percent of third graders are not reading at grade level when they enter fourth grade, as reported by the Illinois Report Card. To address this problem, we are focusing on home-based solutions. While schools are doing their part, the home is the key to fostering a culture of literacy. Our Imitate Reading Initiative encourages adults to not only read to their children but also to read in front of them, demonstrating the value of reading.
To support families, MELP provides each family with a bag containing 25 books, which includes titles for both adults and children. We engage with families in various settings, such as childcare centers, adult education classes, preschool centers, community events, churches, and more. A Family Literacy Champion (FLC) will connect with families and encourage them along their literacy journey. Families have the option to enroll in Erudite Nation when they receive a bag of books. Through our book distribution program, MELP aims to eliminate book deserts that plague many of our Metro East communities.
The Metro East Literacy Project (MELP) invites your organization to partner with us to distribute books to families—it's free! You can call us at 618-558-8527 or email [email protected].
The most pressing issue we are facing is that 70 to 80 percent of third graders are not reading at grade level when they enter fourth grade, as reported by the Illinois Report Card. To address this problem, we are focusing on home-based solutions. While schools are doing their part, the home is the key to fostering a culture of literacy. Our Imitate Reading Initiative encourages adults to not only read to their children but also to read in front of them, demonstrating the value of reading.
To support families, MELP provides each family with a bag containing 25 books, which includes titles for both adults and children. We engage with families in various settings, such as childcare centers, adult education classes, preschool centers, community events, churches, and more. A Family Literacy Champion (FLC) will connect with families and encourage them along their literacy journey. Families have the option to enroll in Erudite Nation when they receive a bag of books. Through our book distribution program, MELP aims to eliminate book deserts that plague many of our Metro East communities.
The Metro East Literacy Project (MELP) invites your organization to partner with us to distribute books to families—it's free! You can call us at 618-558-8527 or email [email protected].
Here’s what some of our families have shared about their experiences:
|
“Your books are a source of knowledge for us 😀”
- Ana |
“The books have been a great infuence on my children.” - Deisy
|
“I got a Taylor Reid Jenkins book that I loved for my summer break as an ELA teacher! We also shared the love with my baby great nephew, who is 9 months old. We took him the baby books and continued sharing our love of reading with him and spent some time reading with him!”- Suzanne
|
“Thanks to the books you gave us, my children got interested in reading, they say they have a mini library at home.” - Maria
|
“My children like that I spend time with them reading books in Spanish” - Cristina
|
“We recently tried a couple new recipes from the cookbook you gave our family. Nola says she loves cracking eggs and using measuring cups to follow the directions. She can now crack an egg without breaking the yolk! Thanks for helping me create positive memories with her not only reading but also in the kitchen!” - Emalee
|
“My daughter loves reading and she fascinated by one of the books that talks about friendship.”
- Norma |
“My 2 kids have read almost all the books out of the new bag of books” - Jeliza
|
“My children love reading the books MELP has given us before bedtime. Thank you for motivating us to keep reading and for providing books for our children.” - Elena
|
“My kids really like the books you gifted us and I hope that one day you gift us more for them to keep having fun” - Mariza
|
“Thanks to your project, my children received very beautiful and interesting books that motivate reading.” - Tracy
|
“My daughter and son love to read this book before bed! Animals are a special interest of theirs & this one fuels their imagination. Antoinette is fearless, loving, and loyal. She loves her friends and she is willing to go to great lengths when one has gone missing in this adventurous book. She finds her friend, has her own pups, & became a famous police dog! We thank you Metro East Literacy Project! This is a book we have enjoyed and can continue to enjoy for many nights to come thanks to you!”
- Patsy
- Patsy
“My children love books and reading. The older boy likes to tell stories to his younger sister.” - Heather
Visit the MELP YouTube channel to see video comments from families.
FUN: It's fun to give away free books.
Mission alignment: promote literacy to adults and children by providing access to books and libraries