Literacy program provides free books, ice cream

“Story Time in the Heights” is turning literacy into an ice cream social. The annual reading program takes place each week during the summer in the Alger Heights neighborhood of Grand Rapids. During each session, area children receive free books and ice cream and gather around to hear stories.

The program was created in 2010 by Barbara Lubic, associate professor of education, with the goal of promoting reading. Story Time is held from 7-8 p.m. at the corner of Eastern and Alger avenues each Tuesday evening through the months of June, July and August. 

Lubic said the program helps decrease the loss of reading skills over the summer. "If a child reads six books over the summer, they are less likely to lose those reading skills. If they read 10-15 books throughout the summer, they are likely to not only maintain their reading skills but to also improve their skills," she said. "Story Time is also an excellent way to strengthen our neighborhood community. Families come together on a summer night to share ice cream, stories and catch up on the events of the week." 

During the first session this summer, held June 7, about 260 kids received books with many more in attendance; on June 14, volunteers handed out 321 books.

Last summer, more than 5,000 books were distributed to children ages 1-12. Books are provided at a discount through partnerships with Schuler Books, Bargain Books and Scholastic. Lubic and her team select and purchase books at a variety of reading levels for a variety of interests.

For more information, contact Lubic at [email protected].