Youth Reading Programs

Because reading is essential to the humanities, the MHC provides programs that instill a love of reading, promote an interest in public libraries, and encourage families to read books and talk about ideas together.

The Mississippi Humanities Council offers family-based reading programs for adults and their lower-elementary aged children through our Luciérnagas program. Since the number of Spanish-speakers in Mississippi has increased dramatically in recent decades, the MHC offers Luciérnagas, a bilingual family reading program. MHC has offered successful “Luci” programs at sites throughout the state and is always looking for additional sites and partners for this important program.

The American Library Association’s Great Stories Club (ALA GSC) is a literature-based library outreach program that gives underserved youth the opportunity to read, reflect, and share ideas on topics that resonate with them. Organizations selected to participate in the Great Stories Club series receive copies of theme-related books to use in reading and discussion groups of 8 to 10 teens; in-person and online training on humanities content; dialogue facilitation training; and a variety of programming and promotional support materials.

These programs model reading skills and discussion techniques that stimulate interest in the books’ content—helping foster a lifelong love of learning through reading. The programs use storytellers and discussion leaders to present history, cultural values, and literature in enjoyable ways and relaxed settings. Participants experience animated story telling and open-ended questioning that lead to meaningful conversations and higher-level thinking skills, thus assisting families in moving from basic, functional reading to thoughtful literacy.

For more information on the Council’s family reading programs, or to inquire about hosting a series, contact Katie Molpus, Program Officer at the Mississippi Humanities Council, at kmolpus@mhc.state.ms.us or (601) 432-6752.

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Horn Lake