The leaders in this community have always valued children's reading skills. The former Chamber President/CEO, Wilson Marseilles, gathered a group of experts in the field to explore how to make books more accessible.
After speaking to several professionals on childhood development, a passionate group gathered to brainstorm the best way to get more books into children's hands.
“This project started as an extension of our Workforce Development, where we work with high school and college students. Other Chambers took some bold steps to evaluate their workforce and what it would look like in 10 or 15 years. That inspired me. When you read information from The Imagination Library, it’s easy to see how vital childhood literacy is for math and reading skills. There is a correlation between literacy skills and success in life. What business wouldn’t want to locate in a place like Harrison today with an excellent education system? Wow … But building that pipeline even further back, 10-15 years. We are pouring into these families with the Imagination Library, and helping families access more books so they can do reading at home. And if getting books into the home is a barrier, what is the answer?
Marseilles said a few phone calls later, they had the donations, materials, and locations to put book trees. “When it comes to our kids and their future, the answer is always ‘YES,’” he said.
“We hope families will take advantage of these books. You don’t have to leave a book to take a book. We want more books in homes. We want them to take a book and read it with their kids. It will have a profound impact on their lives.”
Marseilles said they were able to blend healthcare with the school systems and child care facilities. “This is what can happen when we work together for a common goal. It’s a privilege to be a part of this effort.”
The Home Depot donated materials, and “Book trees” were built by Harrison High School FFA students.
The Boone County Regional Library placed a bookshelf in the playroom at Creekside. The first book tree was recently delivered to the Med Plaza, and individuals representing their participating organizations came together for a photo.
One participant said, “It was wonderful to be at the Med Plaza to capture the wonderful moments and highlight the incredible work being done to support childhood literacy in our community.”
Executive Director of Clinic Operations for North Arkansas Regional Medical Center, Kortni Dixon, said, “Since late 2023, we've had the privilege of partnering with the Chamber of Commerce and the Childhood Literacy Committee to distribute books donated by the Savells family. Dr. Little, Donielle Swanson, and our pediatric staff have been dedicated to educating both our patients and their families about the importance of childhood literacy. In addition to offering donated books, we assist with enrolling families in the Imagination Library so they can continue receiving free books.”
Dixon said they are excited to further support childhood literacy in the community with the addition of the book tree in the vestibule of the Med Plaza building. “Witnessing our local organizations and individuals coming together to champion such a vital cause is truly inspiring.
Pictured from left is Ken Savells, Imagination Library; Terry Register, Boone County Library; Matt Piper, Teacher; Suzanne Grant, O.U.R. Literacy Specialist; Kortni Dixon, NARMC; Anne Cowie, Early Childhood LEADS; Deena Dillard, Program Coordinator, Healthy Families Circle of Life; Savannah Price, Marketing Communication Specialist, NARMC; and Danielle House, Director of Marketing and Communications, NARMC. Not pictured is Wilson Marseilles, Edward Jones.