4-H and Youth Coordinator Samantha Hardaway (left) with Youth Services Librarian Bailey Mount (right). Image courtesy of Jefferson Library

The Jefferson Public Library Youth Department is participating in a popular program aimed at literacy.

Youth Services Librarian Bailey Mount says for the first time in her tenure, the Youth Department, along with Greene County ISU Extension, are involved with Read Across Iowa. She tells Raccoon Valley Radio that the program is sponsored by the Iowa Agricultural Literacy Foundation. She points out that they receive five books, that are agricultural-based, that are read out loud, followed by interactive activities such as recipes, challenges, videos or Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) related items that can be accessed online or at the library.

Mount explains that through the partnership with Greene County ISU Extension, the 4-H and Youth Coordinator, Samantha Hardaway, they post a new read out story every Sunday in March around 6pm that coordinates with that week’s activities.

“I really would recommend watching it on a smart phone, a computer, a tablet or even your TV because we’re shooting it horizontal. It’s not good for Facebook reels, you’re not going to see me, you’re not going to see Sam, you’re not going to be able to see the book that we’re reading. But if you want to see me and Sam try our best to be really, really silly and wear silly little outfits, I would really recommend tuning into those.”  

Mount says the program videos can be found by clicking here on a new YouTube channel. She adds that the Read Across Iowa program is free and no registration is required as families can join anytime this month.