Dear friends,

   I love my home state of South Carolina. If there were a ranking for “Friendliest State” or “Most Natural Beauty,” we’d be at the top of the list. Unfortunately, however, the recently released Kids Count data tells a story that should be a call to action. South Carolina once again ranks among the bottom 10 states in terms of child well-being.

   Here’s a snapshot of the data from the annual survey done by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Twenty five percent of our children are not ready to read when they enter school; 33 percent of our 8th graders are not proficient at reading; and 16 percent of our high school students don’t graduate on time. I’m no statistical expert but it doesn’t take a genius to see a pattern here. Children who go to school unprepared for reading have a hard time catching up – ever – and they are at greater risk of not graduating.

   Is low-literacy a new problem for South Carolina? Sadly, no. Library staff recently shared with me a letter written by Richland County Librarian Lucy Hampton Bostick. This letter was written to future library leaders as part of a time capsule created in 1936 and opened in 1986. Here’s an excerpt: “We hope that with your help illiteracy will have been eradicated in South Carolina and that all will be able to enjoy the benefits of the library.” Wow. This statement has really been haunting me. RCPL has joined an effort called “Literacy 2030,” a collaborative with the bold vision of making South Carolina the most literate state in the country by 2030. If this vision becomes reality, it will be almost 100 years after our RCPL predecessors made their hopeful prediction.

   What strikes me about this letter is how things remain the same. The author knew that literacy was – and still is – the key to success in life. And just like in 1935, RCPL staff members care deeply about the welfare of the community they serve. Many of us here at RCPL have joined forces with the Midlands Reading Consortium. A project of the United Way of the Midlands, this program trains adults to serve as reading buddies in schools that need volunteers. Our job is to help kids build confidence and skills so they won’t fall further behind.

   If you are a person who makes resolutions for the New Year, I encourage you to think about getting involved with an organization that impacts literacy. It only takes a willingness to give of your time and patience, and you can make such a difference in the future – to each person helped and to our state.

   We’ll get there yet, Ms. Bostick! Promise.

Warmly,

Melanie Huggins