The Summer Reading Program is a wonderful program organized by the Delaware Division of Libraries. Each summer, children throughout the state read books to gain “points” which they can “cash in” for a free book once they’ve reached their goal.

For this statewide program, Success Won’t Wait organized a donation of hundreds of brand new books for the “prize portion” of the program, which were boxed for each library and delivered.

Why is this program so important? According to the National Summer Learning Association, “The ‘summer slide’ is what often happens to disadvantaged children during the summer months. They tread water at best, or even fall behind, while higher-income children build their skills steadily over the summer months.”

So, continuing to read throughout the summer becomes even more crucial. Studies have shown that simple book access has a dramatic impact on improving childhood literacy. The more books in or near the home, the more likely a child will learn and love to read. (For additional information on the importance of book access, please visit our article “What Does “Book Access” Really Mean and How Does it Benefit Children of all Ages?”)

Happy reading, Delaware!

Founded in 2002, Success Won’t Wait, Inc. is a non-profit literacy organization based in Wilmington, Delaware. Want to learn more about Success Won’t Wait’s literacy projects, how to donate used books in Delaware, or volunteer your time? Click on the About Us tab to learn more.

Read now, because success won’t wait!