The Poky Little Puppy, a Golden Book, was my favorite book when I learned to read in kindergarten. Looking back, that early love of stories may have been one of the factors that led me to a career in animal welfare.
I had a full home library of Golden Books and later collected the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series. I also visited the school and town libraries regularly to check out new books each week. Those experiences developed a love of reading that has become a lifelong favorite pastime.
Learning to read is one of the basic skills in any language, and it is one many of us probably take for granted. But imagine never having a book of your own or access to a local library. What if a learning disability made it difficult to master reading skills?
September is Basic Education and Literacy Month. This monthly theme highlights one of Rotary's core areas of focus by encouraging clubs worldwide to carry out projects that improve access to learning, support educators, and reduce poverty through knowledge.
How can our clubs engage with this Rotary Area of Focus locally, regionally, and internationally? Here are a few ideas:
Support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Support education for all children
Empower local teachers and trainers
Provide school supplies and books
Run adult reading programs
Mentor young students
Promote the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Project
Provide computers for classrooms
Construct and set up Little Free Libraries
By supporting literacy at every age and stage, Rotary clubs can help open doors to opportunity, confidence, and lifelong learning in communities near and far.
