01 Mar 2025 Conway Noon Rotary learns about important children’s literacy program

At a recent Conway Noon Rotary Club meeting, Kathy French of AR Kids Read shared the organization’s goal to help struggling students reach their grade-level reading benchmarks. Currently, 64 percent of students in Arkansas are reading below grade level, highlighting the urgent need for early intervention and literacy support, according to Sarah Shaw, president of Conway Noon Rotary.

AR Kids Read ensures young learners have access to high-quality books, engaging literacy programs, tutoring, and the support needed to build strong reading skills. The nonprofit partners with the Faulkner County Library on a summer program called AKR @ the Library. It is designed to prevent the “summer slide” which often occurs when school is out. AR Kids Read also offers this program at other libraries in central Arkansas.

Last year the program was held at the main Faulkner County Library, and this summer it is expanding to serve students at the Mayflower branch. Children will participate in group classes led by a certified teacher and intern, engaging in interactive lessons and practicing foundational literacy skills. “By working with schools, libraries, and local organizations like Rotary, AR Kids Read empowers young readers and gives them academic confidence for lifelong success,” Shaw said. 

Learn more at arkidsread.org.