“It is important that children learn the joys of reading and of expressing themselves through writing. Literacy can stimulate a child’s imagination, setting him or her on course for limitless opportunities and untold successes. By encouraging our children to read and write, we are paving the way to a brighter future.”
First Lady Ginger Beebe
A staunch advocate of reading and literacy programs, Mrs. Beebe partners with students at the Clinton School of Public Service to take Flat Stanley, the children’s book character, with them on service projects around the world. She uses Flat Stanley’s experiences as a teaching tool when visiting with and reading to students throughout Arkansas.
For the past two years, the First Lady has hosted “Literacy and Lunch on the Lawn” in conjunction with the Arkansas Literacy Festival. During this special event, elementary students were invited to bring a sack lunch to the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion and enjoy stories from Arkansas authors as well as local celebrities.
In 2009, Mrs. Beebe joined thousands of other Arkansans who volunteered their time for the National Day of Service and Remembrance. The theme in Arkansas was “Together We Read”, which placed volunteer readers in Arkansas elementary schools on September 11. The event was sponsored by the First Lady in association with the Arkansas Department of Human Services’ Division of Volunteerism, the Arkansas Department of Education, Rotary International, and City Year Little Rock/North Little Rock.
She encourages others to continue volunteering to read to children in a school setting all year long.
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