The Mission of the Mayors' Book Club
In July 2008, the City of Hampton launched the Mayor’s Book Club, an initiative focused on early literacy and promoting the value of reading. The program aims to involve families with young children in the rewarding experience of reading together. Supported by both public and private partnerships, the initiative is designed to ensure that all children have a strong start in life and are well-prepared to enter school and succeed. The activities organized as part of the program promote early literacy, enhance the social and emotional development of young children, and aim to create an environment where books are easily accessible, and literacy is highly valued. The goal is for our children to be "Ready Readers and Ready Learners" as they enter kindergarten.
From September to May each year, the Mayor and a dedicated team of community volunteers visit nearly 4,000 children in over 200 preschool, kindergarten, and first-grade classrooms to read the selected book of the month. Every child enrolled in preschool receives a copy of the selected book, while kindergarten and first-grade classrooms receive a copy to add to their library. Additionally, parents of all 4,000 children have access to a monthly newsletter on the program's website, offering tips on how to "bring that month's story to life".
The Mayor’s Book Club not only promotes early literacy but also aims to ensure that children grow up in an environment where books are readily available and literacy is highly valued. Community support for literacy is crucial for student success and economic prosperity. Literacy has the power to unite a community and transform its culture as a whole. By providing reading materials and encouraging young children to read, we increase the likelihood of them reading at their grade level. When we increase the number of children reading at their grade level by the third grade, we also improve their chances of scoring well on their SATs, being ready for a career and/or college, and becoming productive citizens in our community. The parents of all 4,000 children receive access to a monthly newsletter via our website. The newsletter provides tips on how to bring the month's story to life
From September to May each year, the Mayor and a dedicated team of community volunteers visit nearly 4,000 children in over 200 preschool, kindergarten, and first-grade classrooms to read the selected book of the month. Every child enrolled in preschool receives a copy of the selected book, while kindergarten and first-grade classrooms receive a copy to add to their library. Additionally, parents of all 4,000 children have access to a monthly newsletter on the program's website, offering tips on how to "bring that month's story to life".
The Mayor’s Book Club not only promotes early literacy but also aims to ensure that children grow up in an environment where books are readily available and literacy is highly valued. Community support for literacy is crucial for student success and economic prosperity. Literacy has the power to unite a community and transform its culture as a whole. By providing reading materials and encouraging young children to read, we increase the likelihood of them reading at their grade level. When we increase the number of children reading at their grade level by the third grade, we also improve their chances of scoring well on their SATs, being ready for a career and/or college, and becoming productive citizens in our community. The parents of all 4,000 children receive access to a monthly newsletter via our website. The newsletter provides tips on how to bring 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.
Do you have any photos of readers participating in the Mayors' Book Club that you can share? Photos can be sent to [email protected].
Mayor's Book Club - 331 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, Virginia 23666