First Lady Jane Beshear's Communications Office
First Lady Jane Beshear promotes ‘Read for the Record’ Youth Literacy Campaign

Announces book donation to The Nest—Center for Women, Children and Families

LEXINGTON, Ky. – First Lady Jane Beshear today visited The Nest—Center for Women, Children and Families to promote the “Read for the Record” youth literacy campaign and announce a book donation for the center’s childcare program.

“Literacy is the foundation for learning and gaining a quality education,” said Mrs. Beshear.  “Instilling the importance of reading and literacy at a young age will help children stay engaged in the classroom, stay in school longer and increase their desire and ability to pursue higher education.”

Mrs. Beshear joined millions of people across the country today in reading to children for the “Read for the Record” campaign, an effort to encourage young children to read and promote early childhood education across the country.  In 2011, 2.2 million people participated in the effort and even more are expected to get involved this year.

Sponsored by Jumpstart and the Pearson Foundation, “Read for the Record” has raised more than $7 million for early childhood education programs and provided more than one million books for children in low-income neighborhoods since 2006.  During her visit to The Nest, Mrs. Beshear announced that the Pearson Foundation is donating 150 books to the center for their young readers.

Today, Mrs. Beshear read 2012 “Read for the Record” book, “Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad” by David Soman and Jacky Davis.  Children at The Nest also participated in ladybug crafts and activities to coincide with the book selection and each made pledges to continue reading every day with teachers, friends and family.

The Nest—Center for Women, Children and Families provides high quality, comprehensive services to women and families in crisis while working to prevent child abuse and neglect. The center offers resources for families to develop the skills and habits needed for a healthier lifestyle.  Beyond childcare, resources at The Nest include counseling services, parenting classes and crisis case management.  For more information, visit http://www.thenestlexington.org/.

For more about “Read for the Record, please visit http://www.jstart.org/campaigns/read-record.

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See photos of the event on flickr