The Christian County Literacy Council is expanding its summer programming and outreach efforts as it works to improve reading levels among local students, with a renewed focus on early literacy and community engagement.
Executive Director Francene Gilmer said while some progress has been made, more work is needed to ensure students are reading at grade level by the time they leave school.
The nonprofit organization, which partners with the United Way of the Pennyrile, is shifting more of its attention toward younger children in an effort to build stronger literacy foundations early.
The council’s largest summer program, the “Beyond the Books” Summer Camp, is set to return after debuting in 2025. The free, multi-day camp is expected to take place in June at Hillcrest Baptist Church and will serve children ranging from early childhood through their teenage years.
The program combines reading with hands-on activities designed to show students how literacy connects to everyday life. Activities include creative projects, group reading sessions and interactive learning led by community volunteers.
Gilmer said the camp was one of the organization’s most successful recent efforts and will continue thanks to community support.
“This is the first time we had anything quite this big,” she said. “It was indeed the highlight of our year.”
In addition to the camp, the Literacy Council is preparing to launch a new mobile book program this summer. The bookmobile, a trailer outfitted with shelves and reading materials, will travel to parks, sports complexes and neighborhoods to provide free books to children.
The organization also plans to continue its Story Time events and classroom-based reading programs throughout the summer months, helping students stay engaged while school is out.
The Literacy Council operates largely through volunteer efforts and community partnerships, with funding coming from sources including United Way contributions, donations and fundraisers.
Among its ongoing projects are Community Reader Day, which brings local professionals into classrooms to read with students, and programs like Cookies with Santa, which distributes books and literacy-themed gift bags to kindergarten students across the county.
The organization also hosts events such as spelling bees and literacy-themed fundraisers to support its mission of providing books and educational opportunities to children.
Founded nearly four decades ago, the Christian County Literacy Council is approaching its 40th anniversary next year and is expected to mark the milestone with a community celebration.
“This organization was founded 40 years ago,” Gilmer said. “Next year will be 40 years, and we will likely have a celebration.”
As the group prepares for its summer programming, Gilmer says the long-term impact of literacy efforts, even if results are not immediately visible.
