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Evansville: Mayor Terry Launches Citywide "We Read" Literacy Intiative

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~ Evansville, Indiana - Mayor Stephanie Terry has announced the launch of a new citywide initiative called We Read, aimed at improving literacy and promoting a culture of reading across the city. The goal of this program is to ensure that 95% of students in Evansville are reading at grade level by the end of third grade, in line with the State of Indiana's goal for all municipalities by 2027.

We Read is a collaborative effort led by the City of Evansville's youth development focus and supported by various organizations such as the Mayor's Education Roundtable, Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC), Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (EVPL), and Mattingly Charities. This initiative aligns with broader community goals, including Talent EVV's workforce development efforts and the long-term outcomes of the Evansville Promise Neighborhood. It recognizes that early literacy is crucial for educational success, talent retention, and the city's future economic vitality.

According to Mayor Terry, "This is a citywide effort because literacy is a citywide responsibility. If we want Evansville to grow, attract talent, and thrive long-term, we have to start by making sure our children can read confidently and successfully by third grade." We Read aims to improve literacy levels among children while creating a culture of reading throughout the community. It also emphasizes the importance of providing support for children at home, in school, and within their neighborhoods.

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The first phase of We Read focuses on building home libraries for children. With funding from Mattingly Charities and in partnership with YMCA of Southwestern Indiana, this initiative will provide 13 age-appropriate books to every K-3 student in the Evansville Promise Neighborhood. This will help children begin building their own home libraries as research consistently shows that having books at home leads to stronger literacy outcomes. By making books visible and accessible in daily life, this phase aims to bridge literacy gaps that often emerge early, especially in low-income households.

The second phase of We Read expands beyond book distribution and calls on the entire Evansville community to take action. This includes residents, schools, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and businesses. The goal is to make reading unavoidable and accessible throughout the city. This phase reinforces the message that literacy is not limited to classrooms but is strengthened when children see reading modeled and valued in their neighborhoods, workplaces, and public spaces.

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Dr. Darla Hoover, Superintendent of EVSC, stated that "Literacy is the foundation for everything that comes next: academic achievement, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning." She believes that We Read reflects the community's shared commitment to improving literacy outcomes while also building a culture of reading that extends beyond school walls. When families, schools, and the broader community work together towards this goal, students are better positioned to succeed.

In conclusion, We Read is a citywide call to action aimed at improving literacy levels among children in Evansville. With support from various organizations and a focus on building home libraries and promoting a culture of reading throughout the community, this initiative has the potential to make a significant impact on educational success and future economic vitality in Evansville.

Filed Under: Government, City
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