Iowa Methodists launch 1 million book literacy initiative

United Methodist leaders in Iowa are challenging their communities to collect one million books — and spend one millions hours of reading with children — in an effort to boost literacy rates across the state.

More than 20 percent of Iowa's United Methodist churches have already committed to the effort, and more than 1,000 books have been collected since the initiative launched this week, said Arthur McClanahan, spokesman for the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church.

About 55,000 Methodists attend church on any given Sunday across the state, and church leaders believe that they can reach the one million goal if each individual donates 10 books, and 10 hours of their time, over a two-year span.

All are welcome to participate in the collection of new books or donate their time, which will be coordinated with schools, libraries or nonprofits near local congregations.

"This is something that we all can be a part of — changing a child's life by helping a child to be able to read," said Iowa United Methodist Bishop Julius C. Trimble in a news release. "It's not about politics. It's about a passion for children and closing the gap between those who are in poverty and those who succeed in the educational journey of life."

The "Change a Child's Story" initiative comes amid a statewide effort by education, community and state leaders to better Iowa's literacy rates, a key to educational achievement.

According to recent data, about one in four third-graders scored below grade level on state exams. That's a troubling statistic, given than third grade is a critical year when students transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn."

Some studies have shown that third-graders who struggle in reading are more likely to drop out of high school.

For more information, or to get involved in the "Change a Child's Story" initiative, go to the Iowa Conference's website at iaumc.org.