Every year, teachers and librarians across the country celebrate Read Across America with students from elementary ages to young adults. This endeavor is all about promoting literacy and encouraging children to read.
On March 2, the Education Department and Thigpen Library hosted a Vol State Read Across America event for the Gallatin community to encourage reading and family engagement while connecting the college with the local community. Students in EDU 101 and 264 helped plan and coordinate the event over the 2022-23 academic year, celebrating March’s theme of community and creating a literacy walkabout through the book “Dream Street” by Tricia Elam Walker. More than 25 students helped set up the event and run the exhibits, and staff and faculty from across the college also pitched in to assist with the festivities.
Over 65 people attended, with 36 children participating in the walkabout. Community members such as the local police and fire departments, the Gallatin and Hendersonville public libraries, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and the Vol State Dental Assistant program also came and shared in the night’s fun. Participants enjoyed the variety of activities offered, and every family went home with a copy of the book the event was based on.
For additional pictures or more information about Read Across America, visit https://libguides.volstate.edu/RAA. If you would like to help participate in next year’s event, please get in touch with Penny Duncan (Penelope.Duncan@volstate.edu) or Becky Frank (Rebecca.Frank@volstate.edu).
