My First Library
There’s no greater gift to a child than teaching him or her to read. There’s also no more important academic skill. That’s why My First Library, our foundational literacy program, is a vital component of our work in schools, supporting children whose families often do not have the resources to properly nurture a proficiency in and love of reading.
Through My First Library, kindergarten students are invited to choose ten high-quality, grade-level summer reading books at an end-of-the-year book fair. The program is distinct from other reading programs in these ways:
Starting early. Most summer reading programs begin in the 1st grade, while My First Library starts the summer before. This creates a bridge that helps negate the “summer slide” which accounts for as much as 85% of the reading achievement gap between lower-income students and their middle and upper-income peers.
Student’s choice. Studies show 92% of kids say they are more likely to finish a book they picked out themselves.
Greatest need. As a statewide organization, the Original Six Foundation is positioned to identify and invest in areas of greatest need.
Best of all, these young readers get to build their own at-home libraries, filled with books of their choosing and a love of reading that will last a lifetime.
