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supporting literacy during crisis
There is no doubt this is an unprecedented time, and the last few months have presented unimaginable challenges. We’re all navigating these unchartered days in our own unique ways, and at the same time, the connections I have felt—the sense of community I have seen—have never been stronger. I have been wowed by the lengths friends and neighbors (many of whom are on this newsletter distribution list) have gone to support those in our communities who need it the most right now.
Nashville Book Connection (NBC) is still here! And while our book distributions at schools may be sidelined at the moment, we are not.
During this time, NBC aims to support our community by:
Supporting local literacy initiatives
Supporting local businesses
Supporting you at home with links to digital reading resources
Pilot Program Tentatively Planned for Fall 2020
Our East Nashville pilot program originally scheduled for this Spring is on hold until MNPS resumes. However, our book carts are stocked and ready to meet students. Given the nature of the current situation, we are likely looking at a Fall 2020 roll-out. We are working with faculty to meet student and family needs where we can in the interim.
NBC aims to impact literacy by building connections between families and communities.
The challenges brought by recent weeks and the many ahead point toward the critical need for partnership and local support. Donate money. Donate books. Help our local literacy organizations get books in kids’ hands now.
Supporting Local Literacy Initiatives
NBC is banding together with other Nashville literacy programs to support readership at home.
We are currently working in partnership with Book’em Kids—a longtime literacy program that promotes book ownership—to get diverse books to as many Nashville children as we can. (Each NBC book going to a K-4 student has an interactive bookmark and an “I love reading” message from another MNPS student.) Book’em team members are distributing books to students at multiple sites and are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of both book recipients and volunteers. NBC will continue to connect with teachers, principals and students to ensure kids get books they are excited to read!
OUR PLEDGE
Kids of color need books that reflect their experiences.
Kids of color need books with characters who look like them, their families and their friends.
Kids of color need to have access to books at home.
Nashville Book Connection (NBC) launched in 2019 with this objective: By building home libraries full of meaningful, intentionally chosen, diverse texts, NBC aims to nurture a culture of readership at home.
NBC began with a commitment to serve families of color, and that commitment is as urgent and as critical today as it has ever been. Our pledge is to children of color, their families, and their teachers. Our pledge is to African American communities. Our pledge is to Black Lives Matter.
We will continue to do our work, and we will work harder and smarter at tearing down injustices that our black community experiences every day.
This is a time for all of us to be taking action in new, innovative ways. We will start by partnering with Book’em Kids to get books to children of color now.
Calling all teachers and school leaders!
If you want books for your students this summer, email us, and we will curate a collection for them.
Supporting LOCAL BUSINESSES
Shop local online and donate books to Nashville Books Connection. Our team will ensure books are delivered directly into MNPS students’ hands.
Visit Parnassus online to shop NBC’s curated wishlists here.
Visit Fairytales Bookstore online via Facebook here. Fairytales Bookstore in East Nashville has been impacted by the tornado. Please contact them for more information about NBC’s curated wishlist. Mention NBC and receive 30% off your order.
Contact us here if you are interested in shipping books.
Supporting you at home
Explore our list of digital reading resources to support you and your family at home.
