Governor's Early Literacy Foundation

We loved getting to meet Andrew Maraniss, author of Hut! Hut! Hike!, one of the Sports Zone books featured in this year's K-3 Home Library book packs. He stopped by our office and we were so glad he did!

Andrew shared his thoughts on being part of the program:

"I was thrilled when I learned that one of my Sports Zone books had been selected to be part of the K-3 Home Library program. It's important that all children in Tennessee have access to books, especially in the summer when they're away from their school libraries. How fun for a kid to receive a box in the mail full of books and activities, and what a great investment in literacy!"

This is what it's all about — getting great books into the hands of Tennessee children. Visit governorsfoundation.org to learn more about GELF's K-3 Home Library program and the book packs that were delivered to more than 210,000 rising 1st-3rd grade students, librarians, and educators across the state this summer.

This is what summer reading is all about!

We love seeing families dive into their K-3 Home Library bookpacks together and make reading part of their summer routines. Thank you for sharing these moments with us!

Across Tennessee, K-3 Home Library bookpacks are beginning to arrive at the homes of rising 1st-3rd grade students in participating districts, and we couldn’t be more excited for the summer reading ahead. 📚☀️

Each bookpack includes six books that students can add to their home libraries, along with grade-level activity sheets designed to help families keep reading and learning all summer long.

We can’t wait to see Tennessee students dive into new stories, build confidence as readers, and create fun reading moments at home this summer.

Last week, a few of our team members had the opportunity to visit with one of this year’s Tenn Under 10 awardees, Ezra Bacon, during a special celebration at his school.

Tenn Under 10, powered by PNC, recognizes Tennessee third graders who have overcome literacy challenges and shown determination, growth, and a love of reading. It was inspiring to see Ezra celebrated by his teachers, classmates, and school community!

Congratulations again, Ezra! We can’t wait to see all the great things ahead for you.

Teachers and librarians across Tennessee are continuing to receive K-3 Home Library book packs, and we love seeing the excitement already building for summer reading season. 📚

Over the next few weeks, thousands of rising 1st-3rd grade students will receive book packs delivered directly to their homes, helping them stay engaged in reading all summer long. Each pack includes 6 high-quality, grade-level books and activities designed to keep students reading, learning, and growing outside the classroom.

A big thank you to the educators, librarians, and school districts getting students excited about the books headed their way. We can’t wait for students to start opening their packs this summer!

One more look from the ribbon cutting at the new Storybook Trail at Napier Elementary 📚

Seeing students and families explore the trail together was such a great reminder that literacy can happen anywhere, whether it’s in the classroom, at home, or outside on a walking path with a good book.

We’re grateful for partners like PNC, Metro Nashville Public Schools, and Napier Elementary School for helping create spaces that make reading fun, interactive, and accessible for children and families.

There are only a few days left to nominate a TN 3rd grader for Tenn Under 10, powered by PNC!

This annual initiative honors ten outstanding 3rd-grade students from across Tennessee who have shown perseverance and growth in literacy. Selected students receive a $2,000 post-secondary education scholarship and statewide recognition for their reading journey.

🔗 Submit a nomination: https://governorsfoundation.org/home-library/k-3-home-library/tenn-under-10