At several Massachusetts schools, students are getting something many children still do not have: books of their own.
Through an expanded literacy program, students at multiple Title I schools in the state can bring home a bunch of brand-new books, providing an accessible way for families to build their own libraries.
Here's what to know
A recent event at James Tansey Elementary School highlighted the expansion of Impact Reading's United States of Readers program through new state funding in Massachusetts.
According to the Fall River Reporter, the program lets students in pre-K through eighth grade choose 10 new books to own, while participating teachers each receive 25 books for their classroom collections.
Tansey is one of a number of the state's Title I schools to take part in the program, which aims to serve low-income families and communities. Nearly 300 students at Tansey are expected to participate, out of about 10,000 students statewide.
Massachusetts was the first state to back the choice-based program's wider rollout in 2024, according to the local news outlet. Research indicates that the books children choose themselves are most often their favorites and those most likely to be finished.
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Judy Newman, president and CEO of Impact Reading, summed up the goal of the initiative.
"Every child deserves the chance to discover books they truly love," Newman said, per the Reporter. "When children choose the books they want to read and get to keep those books as their own, we're helping them build not only home libraries, but a lasting connection to reading."
More background
Many children do not have easy access to a variety of books. For families already managing tight budgets, regularly buying books may not be realistic. And while school and public libraries are important options, having some quantity of books available at home can make a big difference in development, literacy, and overall well-being.
"Empowering our young people starts with giving them the tools to succeed, and book ownership is a cornerstone of early academic success," State Senator Michael Rodrigues told the Reporter.
State Representative Carole Fiola called the expansion "a huge win for Fall River families," saying that putting "high-quality books directly into the hands of our students at no cost is such a powerful way to uplift our youth."
Local children's author Jerry Pallotta, well-known for his award-winning alphabet books and imaginative fiction, helped host the event.
Kathleen Smith, interim superintendent of Fall River Public Schools, said the partnership gives students books that "reflect their personal interests," while Pallotta's visit helped inspire "a genuine, lasting enthusiasm for learning."
Where can I learn more?
For more, check out stories on library tools and climate education requirements in schools:
• At public libraries, readers are tracking savings as borrowing replaces purchases.
• Local libraries are reducing paper use as more patrons borrow e-books through Libby.
• New Jersey now requires climate change education across public school classrooms.
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