LeaP 2007 Class Project

2007 LeaP Class Launches “LeaP into Books”

The LeaP Class of 2007 is proud to announce this year’s class project, “Leap into Books” – a public library awareness and literacy program for the Westside Branch Public Library.

The project kicked off with a 30 minute story time session at the Fricker Center on Saturday, Feb. 3. Story-time sessions will continue each Saturday through April 28 at the Fricker Center. Story time for 3-5 year olds is from 10:30 – 11 a.m. with 6-8 year olds story time from 11:10 - 11:40 a.m.

Through this project, the Leadership Pensacola Class of 2007 hopes to:

• Increase the utilization of the Westside Public Library by elementary and middle school children.
• Produce and broadcast “LeaP into Books, Story Time with Cox” on Cox Communications Channel 2.
• Develop a library rewards program that will encourage children to read.

Studies show that children who read at an early age are better prepared for school, providing a strong foundation for a promising future as a productive citizen of our community. Experts suggest that reading to children is the single most effective parent practice for enhancing language and literacy development.

One of the largest barriers to economic growth and development in Escambia County is low literacy. An investment in the education of our youngest learners is an investment in Escambia County’s economic growth and prosperity

The goal for the class project is to improve the literacy rate in Escambia county. Escambia County has the lowest literacy rate in the state of Florida and we rank in the top twenty counties in the nation for illiteracy. Together we can make the difference between mediocrity and excellence.

The Leadership Pensacola Class will be encouraging book drives and other upcoming “LeaP into Books” incentives. For more information on future dates and times or to make monetary donations to “LeaP into Books”, please contact Angela McMahan at 850/202-4283.