Through the efforts of our Marion Public Library, business and industry, our local schools, United Way of Marion County, government, social service agencies and many key stakeholders, our community has created a new collaborative project dedicated to encourage parents and other significant adults to read to a child at least 20 minutes each and everyday from birth through elementary school. This new community initiative is called, “Let’s Read 20”VISION: “LET’S READ 20 envisions, “Raising readers who achieve and succeed for a lifetime!”MISSION: “LET’S READ20” is dedicated to building a Community of readers by encouraging everyone to read to a child for at least 20 minutes each day from birth through elementary school.”GOALS & OBJECTIVES:GOAL 1: TO PROMOTE EARLY CHILDHOOD LITERACY1. BOOK PROCUREMENT & DISTRIBUTION2. FACILITATE INCREASED READING HOURS 3. PARTNER WITH SCHOOLS ON 20 MINUTE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS 4. KINDERGARTEN READINESS & SCREENING TOOLSGOAL 2: TO CREATE MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS1. LISTS OF LITERACY RESOURCES2. COORDINATED OUTSIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MODELED READING3. RECRUITED READ ALOUD VOLUNTEERS4. DEVELOP PARTNERSHIPS W. AREA AGENCIES, BUSINESSES, SCHOOLS, ETC.GOAL: 3. DRIVE “LET’S READ 20” MESSAGE-READING WITH ALL CHILDREN AT LEAST 20 MINUTES A DAY 1. PROVIDE RESOURCES & TRAINING TEACHERS IN SCHOOLS/DAY CARE CTR.2. RECOGNIZED STUDENTS READING ON/ABOVE GRADE LEVEL3. COORDINATED COMMUNITY LITERACY EFFORTS & ACTIVITIES4. ESTABLISHED NATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS FOR LOWER COST BOOK BUYING *Becoming successful, achieving Life-long Learners!