Letters: Columbia event putting books in more kids’ hands

Owning a book is as important to a child as owning a teddy bear or other comforting and prized possession. Our children need books to hold and keep, books that are their very own, books that they can read and return to time after time for knowledge, joy and inspiration.

Everyone who hid under the covers after lights-out to finish just one more chapter before going to sleep can attest to the excitement of sharing worlds unknown through the words of a favorite author. Pi Beta Phi fraternity for women wants every child to have this fundamentally important opportunity.

In Richland County alone, 12 percent of students lack basic reading skills, and in some S.C. counties, it’s as high as 29 percent. We must do better for South Carolina’s children.

We want to reach one million children with new books by our 150th anniversary in 2017. One step toward this goal is a book giveaway of 20,000 books on Friday and Saturday in Columbia. Teachers from across the Palmetto State have pre-registered to shop for these free books, and children from Logan Elementary School will have a special book selection and reading activity day.

As a 36-year teaching veteran, I know that a child who reads will more easily overcome barriers. My dream is for every South Carolina child to enjoy reading and, therefore, to have the opportunity to achieve his or her dreams.

This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 1:16 PM.