Reading Month highlights ongoing literacy efforts across Isabella County

As Michigan counties confront a statewide literacy crisis, several Isabella County organizations are working to close the gap, especially when entering National Reading Month in March.

According to the State of Michigan, fewer than half of students at most grade levels are proficient in reading. 

Annie Sanders, president of United Way of Greater Central Michigan, says the challenge of improving early literacy in Isabella County remains pressing.

“State assessments, including M-STEP data from Gratiot-Isabella RESD districts, show that fewer than half of third grade students are reading at grade level, with about 38% testing at or above proficiency,” she says. “These gaps highlight the importance of consistent access to books, engaging reading experiences and opportunities to build skills both in and out of the classroom.”

United Way of Greater Central Michigan is one organization working to support the region by expanding access to literacy resources and backing programs that encourage reading year-round.

One key effort during March is Reading Month is the Read United initiative, including the virtual Read United calendar that features 31 days of stories read by local community members. 

This initiative was created following the COVID-19 pandemic, “when access to in-class readers during March, National Reading Month, became limited,” Sanders explains. “By offering easily accessible virtual stories, Read United ensures students can still experience the joy of being read to by community members.”

Sanders also highlights how Read United boosts students’ literacy skills and engagement “by connecting them with a wide variety of local readers. Hearing new voices, stories and perspectives sparks curiosity, builds confidence and reinforces positive reading habits for children.” 

The initiative now serves students across all four counties in the region.

On a broader scale, United Way of Greater Central Michigan also supports literacy efforts in a number of other ways, including providing grant funding for early literacy programs such as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the Sleepy Dog Books Foundation, “helping to ensure children have books in their homes from an early age,” Sanders says. 

The organization also partners with Mercantile Bank of Michigan to distribute Summer Adventure Kits, a free literacy resource for first grade students across Gratiot and Isabella Counties that promotes continued reading and learning during school breaks.

In Isabella County, an area previously referred to as a literacy desert, conditions are looking “hopeful,” according to Riley Justis, co-executive director of Sleepy Dog Books on Broadway Street in downtown Mt. Pleasant and founder of the Sleepy Dog Books Literacy Foundation. 

“Over the past few years, we have seen a systematic transition in and around literacy across the region. This shifting mindset has brought the concepts of literacy to the forefront of a more global conversation around equity, access and the role that purposeful education plays in the future success of a community,” he says.

Sleepy Dog Books has been a longtime advocate of literacy support. 

“When we opened the bookstore and again as we established the literacy foundation, we saw a need and worked to develop a solution that was greater than just a retail location,” Justis says. 

Through the Sleepy Dog Books Foundation, the focus is on youth development, offering literacy nights, book giveaways and book vending machines. 

“We have tried to be strategic and reflect on our overarching approach to programming, actively reflecting the needs and interests of the community we serve,” says Justis.

“From Central Michigan University, to the Chippewa District Library System, to the local schools and Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, we have found our place in the community as the connector, collaborator and cheerleader for all the great things that this community has to offer to the people that call it home,” says Justis.

Justis points to community partnership as a key factor in reshaping literacy efforts. 

“We have worked with the community to foster a change in the way we approach literacy, community first and through an approach that levels the playing field for all learners,” he says. “From community forward programming to the literacy programs we offer through the Foundation, we have worked with many amazing organizations around the region.”

Sleepy Dog Books regularly offers story times and hosts visits from police officers, dancers and actors. The organization also works to bring authors of varying backgrounds to the community. 

“We look for opportunities to provide the community not only a venue or outlet for creative expression, but work to become a reflection of the community in the services and programming we provide,” Justis says.

Specifically for National Reading Month, Sleepy Dog Books will be on the road, visiting schools across the region and getting books in the hands of children in real time. 

“You may see our Book Trailer on the road heading to literacy events, offering thousands of books for young readers to fall in love with,” Justis says. 

Students will be able to choose their own books and delight in the passion literacy offers. 

“We work hard to bring these books to those [who] need them, for free, and allow each child to select a title that speaks to them, regardless of financial limitations, and allows them—some for the first time– to feel the emotion of choice,” says Justis.

He emphasized the impact these acts can have on shaping students’ relationship with reading, saying, “Literacy is not simply part of childhood, it is the spark that can foster a future filled with passion, adventure and unlimited potential.”

“As part of March is Reading Month, we will also be running our annual donation matching drive through [United Way of Greater Central Michigan],” Justis says. “We are excited to continue this partnership to expand the reach and get more books into the hands of kids across the area.”

Like other organizations in the region, the Chippewa River District Library System (CRDL) is helping lead efforts to promote reading and address ongoing literacy challenges.

“We offer programs all year to support literacy for all ages. Whether it be story learning for our youngest library patrons, book clubs for our school-age children, or author visits and book clubs for adults, we offer a way for everyone to engage in and enjoy literacy-based activities,” explains Barb Sandford, CRDL youth collections and programming coordinator.

To celebrate March is Reading Month, all CRDL branches in the area are hosting their Wild About Reading program throughout the month. Patrons of all ages can stop into any branch library to contribute to the community sticker mosaic to reveal reading-related images and decorate their own bookmark.

The CRDL is also hosting a Read-with-a-dog program where children can stop by the Veterans Memorial Branch to share their love of reading with a Canine Good Citizen team.

Beyond March, Sandford noted the library team enjoys visiting the community to promote a love of literacy by going to schools and daycares, hosting class visits at the library and attending community events. 

“We understand it is not always possible to come visit us at the library, so we enjoy taking our programming to other locations in the community when we can,” Sanford says.

Among other programs and reading challenges, the Chippewa River District Library System also offers a limited-access card to any child who attends a school in the library’s service area. 

“Literacy rates remain a challenge everywhere, especially in Isabella County… [the Chippewa River District Libraries] want as many children as possible to have access to the library’s resources,” Sandford says.

As literacy initiatives continue across the region, organizations such as United Way of Greater Central Michigan, Sleepy Dog Books and the Chippewa River District Libraries say their work remains focused on expanding access, encouraging young readers and strengthening community partnerships.

While challenges remain, local advocates continue to point toward progress, hoping sustained collaboration will help foster a future where every child has the opportunity to discover the joy of reading.