Community Library Initiative

Hello, 

Help me provide funds for the Community Library Initiative of Jackson, Missisissippi.

This initiative needs funds immediately. This effort is transformative because it will foster the untapped intellectual and artistic development of our youth.

My name is Meredith Coleman McGee. I am an author, book publisher, and business owner in the capitol city of
Jackson.  

Growing up we had a home library. I appreciate the benefits reading books had on our educational experience. I wish every child had the same opportunity. But, they don't!

https://www.facebook.com/100006337006736/videos/2088537144700832/

For, millions of Mississippi children, they rely solely on the resources at their local library to shape their intellectual capacity.

I once heard Denzel Washington mention that books and the Boys and Girls Club had a great impact on him.

Unfortunately, there is a book desert in Jackson, where the average ACT test score is 18.4 and where the right to books is not always a reality.

Federal, state, and local budget cuts hurt working poor families in ways which many take for granted.

Public library services and book collections funding have declined.

When I walked in the Richard Wright Library near our home last year and saw the empty bookshelves in the children's department, I was floored because the children in my community lacked necessary resources.

Richard Wright, the son of a maid, was a disadvantaged Black boy who grew up nearly a century ago, during the Jim Crow south.  Richard loved books, excelled in school, and became the first Negro bestselling author in the 20th century.

How sad, the Richard Wright Library lacks resources ... budget cuts... Really!

In light of the library's budget woos, in 2016, we circulated a petition to gain support for our effort to create the first Friends of the Richard Wright Library.

We soon discovered a world of problems: 

One little boy, who walks to the library, was discouraged from reading because the book series he loved had been damaged and never replaced. 

Some residents were driving pass the Richard Wright Library to other libraries with more resources.

Parents told us their children shared textbooks with two or more other classmates. 

In February of this year, I spearheaded the Community Library Initiative to create community led library programming to increase literacy, the love of reading, and facilitate a public space for intellectual activities.

Now, we are collecting household data ... household size, the ages of members, the book genres they read, if any, and the library programming desired. 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3VQ3MVY please complete our * * * SURVEY * * * online now.

So far, my businesses sponsored the costs of printing, 
and our Board of Trustees developed a fundrasing books via the My First Book Series. These six school preparatory books are for children ages 3 to 5. 

Print books are $5.99 and eBooks are $1.99. 

Right now, we need funds to establish a 501 C 3 Tax Status, to develop a non-profit business plan, and for building funds. 

Can you make a donation today!

We will seek grant funds to buy or lease a building so we can develop a Community Library institution which will facitiate various programs (such as reading, writing & spelling contests ... ACT preparation).

The library space will house book collections including audio books and provide a meeting room so local authors and artists can promote and sell their wares.

We plan to sponsor Freedom Schools during Summer months.

We are holding a Spring Break Reading Fair, March 12 - 16, 2018. It will end with an Award Program on the 17th. 

Wouldn't it be nice for children to collect books for their own home libraries. 

Purchase the full My First Book Series for any child in your community or family. All proceeds support the Community Library Initiatve https://meredithetc.com/community-library-initiative/ .

Photo by Meredith Coleman McGee
Richard Wright Library, McDowell Rd. Jackson, MS

My First Book Series:

My 1 to 5 Activity Book Vol. 1, 42 pages

My A to G Activity Book Vol. 2, 21 pages

My H to P Activity Book Vol. 3, 49 pages

My 10 to 100 Activity Book Vol. 4, 31 pages

My 2 to 24 Activity Book Vol. 5, 36 pages

My Q to Z Activity Book Vol. 6, 56 pages