Nebraska Growing Readers is a partnership between Nebraska Department of Education, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, the Statewide Family Engagement Center, and Unite for Literacy to expand access to books across the state by identifying book deserts within Nebraska and providing those communities with greater book access.
Nebraska Children envisions a state where every child has the resources and support to thrive. We are excited to partner with the Nebraska Department of Education and Unite for Literacy on this statewide effort to expand access to books for Nebraska’s youngest children as well as encourage parents to read with their children on a daily basis.
--Mary Jo Pankoke, President and CEO of Nebraska Children and Families Foundation
What is a Book Desert?
Book deserts are areas identified in the state where books may not be readily available to children and families who live in the area. Nebraska Growing Readers aims to provide books in those areas so that all Nebraska children have access.
What is a Book Garden?
Book Gardens are trusted sources within book deserts who can provide free Nebraska Growing Readers books to local families and children. While the NGR program initially targeted childcare providers as sites for books, we have quickly increased our outreach and will soon be distributing to some of Nebraska's kindergarten families. Future efforts will focus on establishing Book Gardens at other sites in communities, such as libraries, churches, museums, etc.
The families appreciate having access to free books on a regular basis. I think they really love the self-selection of it, letting their child choose the titles they want to take home. Our families are also excited to see that they can continue to have new book options. Now that they are noticing new titles each month, there is more excitement and engagement.
--Janelle Nissen, School Director, Educare of Omaha Indian Hill
