Let’s Read is designed for children in preschool through second grade to develop a love of reading and libraries. There are currently four elementary schools participating in the Let’s Read program. Each of these elementary schools serve children who live in some of the poorest areas of West Palm Beach. The most recent Census data shows that over 31% of people in these neighborhoods are living below the poverty line. Furthermore, over 92% of the students enrolled in these schools qualify for Free or Reduced Lunches.

Let’s Read children enjoy enriching reading experiences and are introduced to the library. Through Let’s Read, 2,146 children have library cards and have borrowed over 23,000 books. Schools are stocked with a rotating book collection to ensure a variety of read alouds. Three times a year, volunteers provide a gift book to each student in their classroom. For many children, these are among the only books they own.

Let’s Read has connected caring volunteers with young children for 17 years and counting! The program continues to play an integral part in bringing reading into the lives of children. Library staff believes that when we partner with teachers and other caring adults and give them the books and resources they need, we are in turn, helping to create quality early literacy experiences, sustain stronger reading skills and develop a love of reading for our area youth.