First Lady Helps Deliver Books to Cole Elementary in Antioch

Mrs. Haslam joins Ride for Reading to deliver books to Davidson County students

NASHVILLE – First Lady Crissy Haslam partnered with Ride for Reading to deliver books via bicycle to Cole Elementary in Antioch today. Mrs. Haslam joined volunteer cyclists for a 5.5 mile bike ride from Brentwood Hills Church of Christ to Cole Elementary School where they were greeted by several teachers, parents, and students.

Ride for Reading promotes literacy and healthy living through the distribution of books via bicycle to children from low-income neighborhoods. The non-profit organization chose Cole Elementary as the first delivery of the 2011-2012 school year because of their gains and continued progress in reading.

“Ride for Reading does a great job of putting books in the hands of children who wouldn’t have them otherwise,” Mrs. Haslam said.  “Currently, the ratio of books per child is one age-appropriate book for every 300 children in low income neighborhoods.”

Mrs. Haslam also spoke to Cole Elementary students and families about the importance of reading for at least 20 minutes every day. “Reading is a great way for families to connect, and it is the foundation upon which the rest of learning is built.”