The Little Library at Murphy Homes Community Center is now open. United Way of Central Georgia, in partnership with Publix and Macon-Bibb County Housing Authority, helped to bring nonprofit organization, The Little Library, to the location to help inspire a love for reading with youth. Reading is a huge focus for United Way of Central Georgia and through the Read United program, reading levels in Central Georgia are increasing.

“Research has proven the link between third grade reading levels and graduation rates, so if we can impact those scores at a young age, we know we can make a difference in these children’s futures,” said George McCanless, President and CEO of United Way of Central Georgia. “Before third grade, children are learning to read, but after third grade, they are reading in order to learn. It’s important that we prepare children for that shift in learning, so they are able to reach critical milestones moving forward.”

According to The Little Library, children growing up in homes without books are on average three years behind children in homes with access to books. One of the most successful ways to improve their reading achievement is to improve their access to books, but 61% of low-income families do not have age-appropriate books for their children at home. By bringing a source for free books directly into the neighborhoods, United Way of Central Georgia hopes the improvement in access will directly impact reading scores.

The Little Library is located at Murphy Homes Community Center at the front of the office at 900 A Street.