LITERACY
Goal 1: Increase Reading Success
PEP is working to improve literacy in Aiken County by encouraging the love of reading through book ownership.
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS
Public Education Partners is raising funds on behalf of Aiken County’s 21 elementary schools to support the district’s Battle of the Books literacy program. Battle of the Books is a national reading competition for 4th and 5th graders designed to improve reading and comprehension while building enthusiasm for reading using a fun and unique competition format. The entire school benefits from the infectious excitement.
Battle of the Books was identified by principals and librarians as a priority in need of community support. Each student team reads a set of 10 books selected by district librarians. Teams are asked questions about the books in a competition within each school and winners move on to a district competition. The program is currently funded out of limited funds from the schools’ library budgets, PTO support and proceeds from the schools’ book fairs. This puts extra financial strain on schools with a high percentage of pupils in poverty.
It costs almost $700 per elementary school to fund this literacy initiative. While this does not seem like a lot, it represents roughly 17% of a school’s annual library budget. $13,860 is needed to purchase the books needed to fund all 21 elementary schools. Contribution levels are attached.
Program Objectives:
- Literacy: Promote literacy in the Aiken County Public School District (ACPSD) and support students in their love and discovery for reading by adding excitement through the Battle of the Books competition format.
- Student Teamwork: Develop students’ ability to work together, make decisions, and divide responsibilities – all built on an environment of mutual respect.
- Remove Funding Barriers: Provide funding for high-quality book purchases typically paid through limited library budgets. This will allow funds to be reallocated to other library needs and programs. After the competition, the books remain as important additions to each school’s holdings. Removal of the financial barrier of the need to purchase books will encourage all schools to participate.
- Community Building: Opportunity to engage the Aiken Community by raising awareness and engagement in Aiken County’s public education.
Battle of the Books Contribution Levels
Each set includes the 10 books selected by district librarians.
Schools need an average of 6 sets of books.
Funds will help provide books across the district.
Sponsor a Set
| Contribution | Impact | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Sets | Provides 3 sets of books | $330 |
| 6 Sets | Supports 1 school | $660 |
| 10 Sets | Provides 10 sets of books | $1,100 |
| 20 Sets | Provides 20 sets of books | $2,200 |
| 60 Sets | Provides 60 sets of books | $6,600 |
| Title Sponsor | Provides 90+ sets of books | $9,900+ |
Note: Any funds raised above $13,860 will be used to purchase books for in-classroom libraries and other PEP literacy initiatives.
In-Kind Opportunities
| Opportunity | Need | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| District Finals Swag Bags | 140 students | Gift cards, branded items |
| Appreciation Bags | 30 librarians | Small gifts, gift cards, branded items |
| Appreciation Bags | 50 teachers | Small gifts, gift cards, branded items |
Diana Floyd “My Own Book”
The Diana Floyd “My Own Book” Program enables all of the district’s 1,742 third-grade students to participate in their school’s book fair by providing $15 vouchers so that they may choose and purchase their own books. Entering its third year, The Diana Floyd “My Own Book” Program has placed an estimated 5,000+ books into student households while also increasing investment in school libraries.
This program is named in memory of PEP’s past Chairperson, Diana Floyd.
