A new program is putting books in the hands of young readers right here in Milwaukee.
Wednesday, more than 5,000 MPS students received free books to continue building their own home libraries and develop their reading skills.
Aside from being a pure source of enjoyment and entertainment, studies show avid readers are more likely to stay in school longer and secure better jobs.
"So every kid in the 14 schools will get 10 books. Three today, three in February and four in May toward the end of the school year. This way they can continue their own home libraries," said Stephanie Davern with Scholastic Book Fair.
The program kicked off last year. Since then, My Very Own Library has distributed 34,000 books to students in 14 Milwaukee Public Schools.
At the end of this school year, all the students will have received 50,000 free books for their home libraries.
"Every child deserves the opportunity to have a home library and the opportunity to read books they choose and self-select." said Davern.
The program is a team effort between My Very Own Library, Scholastic Book Fairs, and United Way of Greater Milwaukee.
A recent Kids and Family Reading report says 90 percent of kids between six and 17 years old say they are more likely to finish a book they picked out for themselves.
