The Mission of the Mayors' Book Club
In July 2008, the City of Hampton launched the Mayor’s Book Club, an initiative to promote early literacy and highlight the value of reading. The program focuses on engaging families with young children in the rewarding experience of reading together. Supported by public and private partnerships, the initiative seeks to ensure that all children have a strong foundation for success as they enter school.
The activities organized under this program encourage early literacy, enhance young children's social and emotional development, and create an environment where books are easily accessible, and literacy is greatly valued. The ultimate goal is for children to become "Ready Readers and Ready Learners" as they begin kindergarten.
From September to May each year, the Mayor and a team of dedicated community volunteers visit nearly 4,000 children in over 200 preschool, kindergarten, and first-grade classrooms to read the selected book of the month. Each child enrolled in preschool receives a copy of this book, while kindergarten and first-grade classrooms receive copies to enrich their classroom libraries.
The Mayor’s Book Club not only promotes early literacy but also strives to ensure that children grow up in an environment where books are readily available, and literacy is highly esteemed. Community support for literacy is essential for student success and economic prosperity. Literacy has the power to unite a community and transform its culture. By providing reading materials and encouraging young children to read, we can increase their likelihood of reading at grade level.
Improving the number of children reading at grade level by the third grade enhances their chances of performing well on standardized tests like the SAT, being prepared for a career or college, and becoming productive citizens in our community. The parents of all 4,000 children also receive access to a monthly newsletter via our website, which provides suggestions for bringing the month's story to life.
The activities organized under this program encourage early literacy, enhance young children's social and emotional development, and create an environment where books are easily accessible, and literacy is greatly valued. The ultimate goal is for children to become "Ready Readers and Ready Learners" as they begin kindergarten.
From September to May each year, the Mayor and a team of dedicated community volunteers visit nearly 4,000 children in over 200 preschool, kindergarten, and first-grade classrooms to read the selected book of the month. Each child enrolled in preschool receives a copy of this book, while kindergarten and first-grade classrooms receive copies to enrich their classroom libraries.
The Mayor’s Book Club not only promotes early literacy but also strives to ensure that children grow up in an environment where books are readily available, and literacy is highly esteemed. Community support for literacy is essential for student success and economic prosperity. Literacy has the power to unite a community and transform its culture. By providing reading materials and encouraging young children to read, we can increase their likelihood of reading at grade level.
Improving the number of children reading at grade level by the third grade enhances their chances of performing well on standardized tests like the SAT, being prepared for a career or college, and becoming productive citizens in our community. The parents of all 4,000 children also receive access to a monthly newsletter via our website, which provides suggestions for bringing the month's story to life.
The Mayor's Book Club is having a positive impact on the children of Hampton.
The Mayor's Book Club believes every child should have access to quality reading materials at school and in the home regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Mayor's Book Club - 331 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, Virginia 23666