The Sandbox: Read Across MoCo and the Value of Early Literacy

Sandbox

Mar 6

March 2 marked Read Across America Day. Here in Montgomery County, we celebrated Read Across MoCo with a week full of literacy events for kids, including elected official guest readers in child care programs and storytime in libraries. As I watched the photos and heard stories roll in this week across the community, I reflected on the first Read Across MoCo event that we held at Wheaton Library and Recreation Center back in March 2020. It was the first week of March, just two weeks before everything shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

*From left: County Executive Marc Elrich, Gabe Albornoz, Alliance Executive Director Kimberly Rusnak, and Anita Vassallo, former Head of Montgomery County Libraries*

I brought my two boys with me, and they sat in the audience as County Executive Marc Elrich and then-County Councilmember Gabe Albornoz read aloud to a room of children at Wheaton Library. I remember looking around, struck by how meaningful – and even magical – the simple act of reading a book felt for both the kids and the adults in the room.

At first glance, having local leaders read to young children at libraries or child care centers might seem trivial. But it sends a powerful message: when community leaders make the time to read with children, children learn that reading is important – and that they matter to our community. 

The Alliance works every day to build bridges between partners and individuals who often don’t have the opportunity to connect. That’s part of the beauty behind Read Across MoCo, which is bridge-building in action. Libraries, families, elected officials, and child care programs all come together to focus on children and the power of stories.

Events like Read Across MoCo are an opportunity for elected officials to see what’s really happening on the ground. They also generate goodwill and build connections between community members and their elected officials. As one County Councilmember said while confirming their participation: “I can guarantee this will be the best part of my day!”

Of course, Read Across MoCo is about more than just books. Literacy is a critical element of kindergarten readiness for children ages 0-5. Children who are read to daily hear almost 300,000 more words by age 5 than children who are not, and they arrive to Kindergarten with expanded vocabularies and higher pre-reading skills. This can set them on a course for higher academic attainment throughout their education. The Alliance is working to ensure that every child in the County arrives to Kindergarten ready to learn and thrive, and we can’t accomplish that goal without placing a heavy emphasis on early literacy development. One of the key actions in the Common Agenda is supporting the continued County-wide expansion of free child development resources, including the BASICS parenting resources and text message service, as well as Imagination Library. Read Across MoCo was a reminder of the joy and community inherent in shared literacy experiences, and of the power of connection as we work collectively toward a shared goal.

As we conclude Read Across America week, I have two requests:

First, pick up a book and carve out 15 minutes to read. Even better, read with a child or young person in your life, regardless of their age. These minutes matter.

Second, if you have a young child who is 5 or under, consider signing up (for free!) for Imagination Library of Montgomery County, a key partner of the Alliance in supporting early learning experiences. I’m proud to sit on the Board of this incredible organization, which provides free books to children ages 0-5, regardless of family income. An at-home library makes a measurable difference for young children and sends the message that reading matters.

A commitment to early literacy is one of the most hopeful investments we can make in our community. When we read with children, we’re opening doors, expanding perspectives, and forging connections. We’re helping them build a world where they can thrive.