Governor Proclaims Book Donation Day 2021

WHEREAS, according to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, an average of one in seven, or 14 percent, of North Carolina adults have below basic prose literacy competency; and

WHEREAS, one way to improve the future of literacy in our state is to ensure that our children have the resources and means to develop the reading skills they need to succeed later in life; and

WHEREAS, recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics estimates that only 53 percent of children ages 2 to 5 are read to daily by a family member; and

WHEREAS, most often, the more types of reading materials there are in the home, the higher students are in reading proficiency; and

WHEREAS, it is vital that children from low-income families have equal access to reading and print materials to ensure they have the same opportunities to succeed in literacy and school; and

WHEREAS, the availability of books is a determining factor in measuring a child’s educational growth in the classroom; all children need access to books to thrive; and

WHEREAS, a means to address literacy disparities in North Carolina is to donate books and print materials to the organizations, schools, businesses, libraries, groups, and individuals working in our communities to provide children and families consistent access to these resources; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina commends the organizations and individuals working to ensure that all children have equal access to books at home, and encourages people to always consider donating books as they are able;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 19, 2021, as “BOOK DONATION DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.