South Sound Reading Foundation – Raising Thurston County Readers

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By: Amy Rowley

Inspired by Frederick Douglass’ classic quote, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free,” Jennifer Williamson-Forster, Executive Director of the South Sound Reading Foundation, shares a passion for reading.  “I learned to read late due to dyslexia.  But, once I learned, I’ve had a book in front of my face,” she says with a smile.

About twelve years ago, a group of educators and community members joined forces to tackle improving graduation rates.  Their research, both nationally and locally, uncovered that graduation rates are heavily influenced by literacy as far back as third or fourth grade. 

The statistics are staggering.  The Department of Education reports that children who have not developed basic literacy skills by the time they enter school are three or four times more likely to drop out in later years.  The National Center for Education Statistics says that two-thirds of students who can not read proficiently by the end of fourth grade will end up in jail or on welfare.  85% of a school’s curriculum is delivered using printed words.  The South Sound Reading Foundation believes that if kids can read their chances of succeeding in school is much better.

Research shows that children need at least 600 hours of pre-literacy experience from birth to kindergarten.  This equates to the Foundation’s goal of reading for 20 minutes a day.  If families can accomplish this goal, kids will have the basic literacy skills, including the ability to understand sounds and recognize letters, that are necessary to start school.

“I want to see kids out of jails and into libraries.  Readers are good community members.  Promoting literacy is enriching our community in so many ways.  Over the past ten years, we have built a solid community program focused on family education and literacy outreach,” reports Williamson-Forster.

Dedicating 20 minutes each day can be tough when there are dishes to wash and emails to answer.  Williamson-Forster encourages families to set a routine that includes reading.  At her house, the family unplugs, eats dinner together, and then reads aloud.  “You may have a 4-year-old that is too busy to sit still.  Keep reading.  They are listening,” recommends Williamson-Forster.

This year, the South Sound Reading Foundation will distribute 40,000 books into the community.  Here are some examples of how the group is getting books into children’s hands:

  • Sending books and literacy information home with each infant at local hospitals.
  • Distributing books at Boys and Girls Clubs and low-income apartment complexes.
  • Partnering with the Thurston County Food Bank and other area food banks to ensure children have books.
  • Driving the Book Van around the community.
  • Partnering with local schools, childcare facilities, and other community groups.
  • Stocking bookshelves in the lobbies of agencies serving low-income clients.
  • Promoting reading by offering free story times with local book stores.

All books are free so children can grow their personal library.  About two-thirds of the books are gently used donations from local families.  The Foundation also pursues grants to purchase books and works with distributors for the lowest price.  Barnes and Noble sponsors a holiday book drive which generates about 3,000 donated books.

“We have committed significant resources over the years.  The organization is made up of passionate people and it is structured to reach the maximum number of kids who need literacy development,” states Rhonda Munzinger, Business Development at Olympia Barnes and Noble.

The Foundation also coordinates two book drives encouraging friendly competition to drive donations.  “In April, we are doing a joint drive called Well Fed, Well Read, with the Thurston County Food Bank.  This drive encourages state, federal, and county offices to see who can bring in the most pounds of food and books.  Last year, the Governor’s office really surprised us.  With only 44 employees, the group delivered over 1,000 books and 4,000 pounds of food,” explains Williamson-Forster.

Dr. Seuss sums up the importance of reading to open new opportunities.  “The more you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

To learn more, visit the South Sound Reading Foundation’s website by clicking here.

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