TALK, READ, SING, WRITE, PLAYground
Michigan’s children are falling behind in reading!
Michigan is ranked 41st in the nation for literacy scores and is projected to fall to 48th by 2030.
Today fewer than 50% of Michigan’s third graders are proficient in reading.
How do we overcome the challenges of low literacy rates in our community?
We start by engaging our smallest community members.
Music Area
Painting Stations



Playground
Literacy for All!
We have the opportunity to transform the green space next to the library into a playground that will engage children in early literacy activities while educating parents about their importance.
Talking
As children hear spoken language, they learn new words and what they mean.
Reading
Increases vocabulary and general word knowledge.
Singing
Slows down language so children can hear the different sounds that make up words.
Writing
Talking to children about what they draw and creating captions helps make a connection between spoken and printed language.
Playing
Helps children think symbolically so they understand that spoken and written words can stand for real objects and experiences.
Each playground area will promote different early literacy elements to create an environment that will prepare children for a successful life of reading. We invite you to donate toward this project as we work toward creating a culture of reading in Big Rapids, because increasing reading proficiency is crucial to our area and our state.


Donation Levels
Reading Donor
>$100
Literacy Advocate Donor
(naming opportunities)
$500 Tree (Plaque)
$1,000 Bench (Plaque)
Advocate For Libraries Donor
(name placed on donor sign)
$2,500 Melvil Dewey
$5,000 Harriet Phelps
$10,000 Andrew Carnegie


A Big Thank you to
Transcanada Corporation for their $5,000 donation to the Library Playground!
*Please contact the Big Rapids Community Library directly at 231-796-5234 or to specify the names for "Literacy Advocate" and "Advocate for Libraries"-level donations. Thank you!