'Life-changing for these students:' SC non-profit expands free book programs
by Connor Ingalls
Mon, May 19th 2025 at 4:24 PM
Updated Tue, May 20th 2025 at 5:29 AM
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A kindergartener at Olanta Creative Arts & Science Magnet School reads one of the books they received for free during the Original Six Foundation's My First Library book fair. (Courtesy: Connor Ingalls/WPDE)
TOPICS:
Non-profitMy First LibraryFree booksSouth CarolinaKindergartenReading levelBook drivesLiteracy
OLANTA, S.C. (WPDE) — A growing program from a South Carolina non-profit is giving back to small communities in a big way.
ABC15 has reported before how important it is for early elementary schoolers to be at their grade's reading level.
The Original Six Foundation's My First Library program gives kindergarteners in rural areas 10 free books to have as their own to read over the summer and beyond.
"We really try to bridge that gap between kindergarten and first grade," Original Six Foundation Director Kara Gormley Meador said. "Studies show that if you're not reading on grade level by the third grade, the chances that you graduate high school or graduate on time really go down."
The program began just five years ago, holding free book drives at eight schools. This year, they're holding book drives at 44 schools, giving away 35,000 books.
Beyond helping out in the classroom and down the road, Gormley Meador said, students love getting to pick out their own selection during their book fairs.
"It never gets old," she said. "They get their little book bag, and then they get to choose the books themselves. Studies show kids are more likely to read a book if they get to choose it versus just putting some books in a bag."
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"Just seeing that they're so excited, and not about games but about reading, makes it phenomenal for us," Olanta Creative Arts and Science Magnet School principal Melanie Dukes McKnight said.
My First Library made its annual stop at the small school earlier this month. It's an event that's become a favorite of both kids and teachers.
"Today is a day we look forward to every year," Olanta Creative Arts and Science Magnet School Literacy Coach Angela Welch said. "I tell the kindergarten students that this is the best day of the year."
In part, because it's not always the case that everyone gets to get in on the fun.
"We have book fairs here at school," Welch said. "A lot of students are not able to participate in the book fairs for various reasons. They're so excited to come in here [during the My First Library book fair] and choose these books...it's just the best day."
The best day that could have an impact for years to come.
"Kindergarten, first grade, second grade, those are our foundational years in literacy," Welch said. "Our students need to have as much exposure to books and literature as possible, so the opportunity the Original Six foundation gives our students through My First Library...it's just life-changing for these students."
The My First Library program is entirely donation-driven and looking to continue growing.
Book drives are just one way they put what they get right back into the schools of your community.
To find out more about how you can help, click here.