United for literacy — combating the summer slide
United Way Wayne and Holmes Counties and the Wayne County Public Library distributed over 12,600 books to 2,380 students through their spring 2025 Reading Under the Lights events, helping prevent summer learning loss by encouraging each child to read at least five books.
United Way Wayne and Holmes Counties and Wayne County Public Library had a successful spring with the Reading Under the Lights illiteracy prevention programs.
In May 2025, Northwestern, Norwayne, Triway and Wooster schools hosted events, distributing over 12,600 books to 2,380 students to help combat the summer slide, when students lose significant knowledge in reading over summer break, which tends to have a snowball effect as they experience subsequent skill loss each year.
With support from local sponsors, many students selected five books to keep and read over the summer. Studies have shown that if a child reads at least five books over summer break, their reading skills will be maintained until the next school year.
During these programs, local community leaders are invited to read to students, serving as role models and encouraging a love of reading. Don Hall, a Wooster Police community resource officer who regularly takes part, said the initiative gives officers the opportunity to promote the importance of literacy to every child attending.
This summer Northwestern, Norwayne and Wooster City Schools will host various Read and Play Nights to engage with students and families during the summer. Students will be able to read, play games and even collect their Summer Reading Club prizes from Wayne County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program.
Reading Under the Lights sponsors include Romich Foundation, GDP Foundation, PNC, Steve and Cheryl Shapiro, Wooster Elks #1346, Xcess Limited, Killbuck Savings Bank, Mary Eberhart, Wayne County Community Youth Foundation and more.
Additional in-kind donors include Certified Angus Beef, Frito Lay, Goodwill Industries, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Friendly Wholesale, Sign Gypsies Ashland/Wayne County and more.
Rittman and Waynedale schools will host fall events. To become a Reading Under the Lights sponsor, donor or volunteer, call or email Kayley Cox at 330-264-5639 or kayley@uwwh.org.