ENGLEWOOD — The nonprofit I Grow Chicago is partnering with Bernie's Book Bank in north suburban Lake Forest to give away 3,500 children's books at an upcoming literacy festival in Englewood.
The "Literacy Fest" outdoor event is from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. June 14 at I Grow, 6402 S. Honore St. The purpose of the book giveaway is to encourage students to read during the summer so that their reading skills do not diminish, said Tameka Lawson, executive director of I Grow Chicago.
“Many studies show children who are not academically engaged throughout the summer months are at-risk for falling behind grade level. I Grow Chicago is hosting the Literacy Fest to encourage summer learning while children are on break,” she said.
Lawson added that participation by Bernie's Book Bank would be significant considering it facilitates the collection, processing and redistribution of new and gently used children's books to significantly increase book ownership among at-risk children throughout Chicago.
Already, I Grow Chicago operates its “I Woof I Read,” a literacy program for young children struggling with reading.
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