Over the last twelve years, Michigan reading proficiency has declined, making us the 41st state in the nation. We are facing a literacy crisis! Recent efforts from various stakeholders have provided all districts in the state of Michigan to build momentum, including Kalamazoo County. 

 

Critical research illustrates the importance of literacy interactions in a child’s home. Kalamazoo County is identified as a book desert meaning that only 21-30% of homes contain 100 or more books. In order to address this shortage, we created the KRESA Book Gardens to get books into the hands and homes of children. This is just one of many ways that KRESA Instructional Services and Community Supports is promoting literacy in Kalamazoo County.

 

The goal of the KRESA Book Gardens is to replenish the book desert in Kalamazoo County. Our plan is to place book gardens throughout Kalamazoo County in historically underserved areas. The KRESA Book Gardens are simply a way to get books into the hands of youth.  

 

For more information about KRESA Book Gardens please contact us at:
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