How a state program is helping get books into the hands of Michigan students.
Children who have access to reading materials have shown improvements in critical thinking skills, reading comprehension, and enhanced understanding and empathy, according to reports from the American Library Association.
In honor of National Reading Month, the Michigan Education Trust (MET) is helping 19 public schools fill their library shelves with books and inspire Michigan students.
Participating schools will each receive over $1,000 in gift certificates from Schuler Books, a Michigan independent bookseller with locations in Grand Rapids, Okemos, Ann Arbor, and West Bloomfield.
The book giveaway—an extension of MET’s anniversary celebration in 2023—was offered to schools throughout the state. Participating schools were required to opt in to receive the donation and no tax dollars were used to purchase the gifts.
“Filling bookshelves at our schools complements MET’s fundamental objective to prepare Michigan’s children for their future educational needs,” said Megan Patino, deputy director of MET, in a press release. “The gift of learning begins with reading in the same way that the gift of education begins with saving for school.”
The Michigan schools receiving books are:
Arno Elementary School (Allen Park)
Auburn Elementary School (Auburn)
Beechnau Elementary School (Ravenna)
Corunna Middle School (Corunna)
Corunna High School (Corunna)
Elsa Meyer Elementary School (Corunna)
Frank Brown Elementary School (New Boston)
Glenn Public School (Glenn)
Hillman Elementary School (Hillman)
McAlear-Sawden Elementary School (Bay City)
Nellie Reed Elementary School (Corunna)
Regent Park Scholars Academy (Detroit)
Sodus Township School District No. 5 — River School (Sodus Township)
Star International Academy (Dearborn Heights)
Summit Academy North Elementary School (Romulus)
Voyager Elementary School (Howell)
Washington Elementary School (Bay City)
Watervliet South Elementary School (Watervliet)
Wegienka Elementary School (Brownstown)
