Reading is learning. Love of reading is love of learning. And just as kids who start learning early become better learners for life, kids who acquire a love of books at a young age learn to read sooner
and keep reading - which means they keep learning.

Square One has been a leader in providing early education and
out-of-school-time care to children from families in Western Massachusetts since 1883. With our new program, BOOK IT, developed in cooperation with the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, Square One is providing families with a powerful tool
to promote their children’s academic success.

The Davis Foundation's support for BOOK IT is part of the Cherish Every Child program's Reading Success by Fourth Grade initiative.
The need in our community to improve reading proficiency is
great.

A 2009 study showed that only 36% of Springfield students entering fourth grade are proficient readers.

The Davis Foundation has set a very ambitious goal of boosting reading proficiency among Springfield fourth graders to 80% by 2016.

BOOK IT constitutes a key component in achieving that goal. To become a successful reader by fourth grade, every Springfield
child needs support from family, school and community. Our program will give people, businesses and organizations in the community opportunities to contribute and to support families' efforts to help kids become better readers.

BOOK IT puts free books at the fingertips of children and their parents. The program serves as a visual sign that reading should
be a part of the everyday life of families and will encourage
parents and children to embrace and enjoy reading together.

Upcoming book drive dates to be determined!