As I approach what in July will be the beginning of my seventh year as your mayor, I have begun focusing on what I call “legacy projects”. The first of these is “The Mayor’s Book Club”, an initiative inspired by my own childhood experience when my mother enrolled me in a monthly book club, instilling in me an early desire to read.
This program, the first mayor-led effort of its kind in Mississippi, is designed to increase literacy rates by sharing the joy of reading with our children. Now in its fourth month, our progress has been profound!
In March when we launched with our national partner, Ferst Readers of Georgia, our goal was simple: get books into the hands of young children before they ever walk through the doors of a classroom. Today, I am excited to report that we have now exceeded our original expectations! More than 600 children in Natchez are now enrolled and receiving a free, age-appropriate book in the mail every single month.
Think about that for a moment… More than 600 children are excitedly awaiting their free book, introducing them month by month to the joy of reading. More than 600 children are now building their own personal libraries. And most importantly, more than 600 children are receiving an opportunity that can shape the course of their lives long before formal education begins.
We know the early years of a child’s life are critical. Research shows that nearly 90 percent of brain development occurs before age six. By age two, a child’s brain is processing information at nearly the same speed as an adult’s. By age three, a child’s brain is even more active. When children enter school already familiar with books and reading, they begin with confidence and a greater chance for success.
That is why this program matters.
When we started the Mayor’s Book Club in March, our first-year goal was to serve 500 children from age zero to the time they turn age five. Thanks to the support of parents, grandparents, childcare providers, educators, and community partners, we have now surpassed 600 children and continue to grow. Every month, hundreds of books are now arriving in mailboxes across Natchez, creating excitement for children and encouraging families to spend time reading together.
But our work is far from finished.
While enrollment is completely free for families, the continued success and growth of the program depends upon community support. If you have ever wondered how you can make a lasting difference in the life of a child, this is one of the most meaningful ways to do so. Every contribution helps place books into the hands of young readers, strengthening the future of our community.
Think about the proven benefits. A child who can read is more likely to perform well in school. A child who can read is more likely to pursue higher goals. A child who can read is less likely to get in trouble. Simply put, a child who can read is more likely to succeed.
Today, I ask for your support of our Mayor’s Book Club. Together, we can ensure that every child in Natchez has the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed. After all, today’s young readers will become tomorrow’s great leaders. Because Natchez Deserves More.
For more information about the Mayor’s Book Club and Ferst Readers, please visit ferstreaders.org. To make a tax-deductible donation supporting children in Natchez, please visit https://bit.ly/4qUvib5. Contributions may also be mailed to: Ferst Readers Natchez, P.O. Box 1327, Madison, GA 30650.
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