For the next 100 days, children in Mississippi and across the nation are encouraged to spend time reading. 100 Days of Reading is a nationwide campaign launched by Save the Children. According to the non-profit organization, nearly 50% of families in Mississippi said their child spent less time on learning activities this year than they did before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yolanda Minor with Save the Children Mississippi says students have lost almost a year's worth of learning. And even with virtual programs available, she says students still faced obstacles.
"And if they did have technology, they did not have access to the Internet, or a quite space to sit and learn or a parent that could be there to support their education," said Minor.
Public libraries have long played a vital role in cultivating communities of reading and learning throughout the summer for students. Like the Madison County Library System, many are returning to some in-person programs and continuing to offer virtual and paper materials. Additionally, programs are offering meals.
Dawn Zimmerer with the library system in Madison County says it's difficult for students to read, learn and retain information on an empty stomach.
"We know that feeding kids is one of the challenges that parents face during the summer. For either economic reasons, or time reasons, or whatever it is - it becomes harder for parents to feed their kids over the summer," said Zimmerer.
The summer reading campaign will continue until September 8, which is International Literacy Day.
