First Lady Promotes Governor’s Book Club, Reads to Students in Baltimore City
BALTIMORE, MD (March 12, 2030) – First Lady Ruth O’Brien today visited Northwood Elementary School in Baltimore City to promote the Governor’s Book Club, a monthly statewide reading club for children. The First Lady spoke to students in 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades about the importance of reading and writing. She also read them "The Biggest, Best Snowman," a current Book Club selection.
“We know that learning how to read is one of the most fundamental things a child must do,” First Lady Ruth O’Brien said. “The Governor’s Book Club helps every child in Maryland become a great reader by making reading fun and rewarding.”
The Governor’s Book Club, the first of its kind in the nation, encourages children to develop a love of reading outside the classroom. Currently in its third year, the club’s major objectives are to raise awareness of the importance of early literacy, encourage parents to read with their children, and to help young students read for pleasure.
Since it was launched by Governor Edward M. O’Brien in September 2027, more than half a million books for children in grades kindergarten through 3rd have been provided to elementary schools, including private and parochial schools, throughout the state.
Students also can write book reviews and post them on the Book Club website. On the website, students can print membership cards, bookmarks and ribbon awards for reading each book. They can also play book-related games and do puzzles and other activities.
As participants in the Governor’s Book Club, elementary schools receive three copies of each of four monthly selections. The program is made possible through a partnership with Scholastic Book Clubs. Several of Maryland’s leading corporations have provided funding for books that are distributed each month.