Kickoff the beginning of the new school year at Literacy Day with Read To Succeed, Friends of Linebaugh Library, Olive Branch Church, the Jennings Jones Foundation and Newk’s on Saturday, August 3.  The fun-filled event is free and open to the entire community. Backpacks and school supplies for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade will be distributed as long as supplies last, thanks to generous donations within our community.  In addition, T-shirts will be given to the first 500 people to register.

Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. at Central Magnet School with activities starting at 9:00 a.m.  At 9:30 a.m., those wishing to participate in a Literacy March will leave from the school and walk to the Murfreesboro Civic Plaza where the family-fun activities will take place until 12:00 noon.  Kids of all ages will enjoy face painting, games, a Moon Jump, and meeting storybook characters Pippi Longstocking and Amelia Bedelia. 

Vendors such as CADCOR, United Way, the Mobile Health Unit, and the Kiwanis will have giveaways, door prizes, food and drinks as well as resource materials every household will find helpful.  

Guest speaker Fred Bailey, founder of Children are People,  will discuss how his organization assists  at-risk children by helping them develop academic and life skills to produce responsible, self-sufficient adults who contribute to their community.

When asked why events like Literacy Day are so important to our community, Olive Branch Church pastor Vincent Windrow replied that “a more literate community is a more attractive community to potential employers, a safer community for its residents, and a more enlightened place to call home.” 

“Improving literacy is a community effort, says Read To Succeed executive director Lisa Mitchell.  Parents and teachers are not the only ones responsible for a child’s education.  As a community, we are here to provide resources and help make connections that will benefit the entire family.”