The excitement is clear at Hanley Academy as Memphis Youth Services’ reading initiative gains momentum, transforming the school into a hub of literary enthusiasm. City of Memphis volunteers are engaging with students in every classroom, helping to foster a love for reading. What started as a four-week program every Friday in September has now expanded into a celebration of reading that will continue into October.

From the very first session, students have been eagerly welcoming volunteers, their enthusiasm evident as they jump up and down in anticipation of each new book. “It’s been fantastic,” says Angela Brown from the Office of Youth Services. “This is an opportunity for us to step in and help out. Our volunteers are having an incredible time interacting with the youth, and the students are absolutely loving it. That’s what reading, literacy, and comprehension are all about – taking their minds to another level.”

Principal Zonja Glover has launched a reading challenge, encouraging students to read 30 books in 30 days. The initiative’s goal is to spark a lifelong love of reading, and the results are already evident. “We’re here to jumpstart and kick them into gear to want to read and to continue reading,” Brown explains. “I didn’t realize how receptive the students would be. They truly love it.”

The partnership between Memphis Youth Services and Hanley Academy is built on a foundation of community support and engagement. Volunteers are not only sharing stories but also bringing their own passion for literacy to the forefront. As Kaiden Edwards, a fifth grader at Hanley, puts it, “I think that reading is good for you, and you should read more books to get your comprehension skills up.” Kaiden has been diving into chapter books, including Llama Llama Red Pajama, and is excited about the journey reading brings.

The initiative has also sparked conversations about further collaborations. “We have brainstormed other ideas to implement here to ensure students have what they need to continue challenging themselves,” Brown shared, indicating a commitment to ongoing support for Hanley’s reading programs.

Board Members are joining in the effort, enhancing the resources available to students. School district seven representative Towanna Murphy, who runs a summer reading camp for kids in kindergarten through fifth-grade, expressed her joy upon seeing Hanley’s new library setup. “When I walked into the library, it reminded me of my childhood—reading books like Goodnight Moon and Green Eggs and Ham. Literacy is a big part of life, and I’m thrilled about what Hanley is doing with reading.”

School District 5 representative and former teacher Sable Otey emphasized the importance of making literacy fun. “I’m very excited and appreciative of the leadership here at Hanley. If we can engage the community and educators in enjoyable ways, we can make reading more attractive to our students.”

Local officials, including Councilwoman Jana Swearengen-Washington, are also contributing to the cause. She brought books from her personal collection to share, highlighting the impact of reading on building confidence in children. “It’s important for me to be here and support Hanley and Orange Mound. Anytime there’s a reading initiative that motivates and encourages children, I’m here for it.”

Principal Glover encapsulated the collective spirit of the day: “This is a remarkable day. It’s urgent to start cultivating a love for reading at a young age. Reading will change their entire lives, and we are incredibly thankful for Memphis Youth Services for initiating this program. We are working diligently to foster this passion for all our scholars.”

As the program continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and a shared commitment to improving literacy among Memphis youth. The hope is clear: by nurturing a love for reading, we can empower the next generation to soar.