Read Across America Day

You can find magic wherever you look.

Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.

This charming rhyme from Dr. Seuss is more than child’s play. Research shows that reading to children at young ages helps them to develop language and cognitive skills. It also strengthens the emotional bond between the caregiver and child. With those goals in mind, the PCHAS staff in Corsicana, Texas collaborated with other agencies to install Little Free Libraries across Navarro County.

PCHAS’ Growing Together program engages families with children under the age of six. As part of the Navarro County Early Childhood Coalition, it has erected 14 of these book-sharing boxes at family-friendly locations including a community center, a firehouse and a park.

The YMCA of Corsicana was one of the first locations. Kimberly Hidalgo, the childcare director there, says, “The Little Free Library is an amazing addition. Being able to see different families stop by and grab a new book to take home brings us such joy! We are so lucky to be able to offer every child the opportunity to expand their minds by reading.”

Katy Andrews, a PCHAS early childhood specialist, agrees. "As a life-long member of this community, it is such an honor to have a close-up on seeing our Little Free Libraries flourish. When you drive by and see children reaching into a library with their parents, it is so encouraging that caregivers are being resourceful to give their children the gift of reading.”

When the libraries started popping up in the fall of 2020, the Growing Together staff and their Coalition partners placed hand sanitizer in each one. Last year, when schools took spring break and fall break, the Coalition organized scavenger hunts. “Parents are able to build their children's communication and comprehension skills,” Katy points out, “but they are also able to spend quality time with their kids. This initiative continues to root itself in our community and provide many opportunities for our families."

PCHAS has programs in three states to build parenting skills and develop healthy family relationships. Read more or contact us online.