Chattanooga Launches Beats and Books Program to Enhance Literacy and Community Engagement

Chattanooga Continues to Celebrate Literacy with Beats and Books Program

In the vibrant heart of Chattanooga, the city is buzzing with excitement as the innovative Beats and Books literacy program rolls on. This fantastic initiative is brought to life through a heartwarming collaboration between the Office of the Mayor, Public Library, and Early Learning Departments, along with the passionate support from Brewer Media’s Power 94 and Dynamo Studios. The program has made a commitment to foster a love of reading among children, particularly focusing on minority students, and it’s set to run throughout the 2024-25 academic school year.

Monthly Features Keep It Fresh and Fun

Every month brings a new wave of excitement! This October, the spotlight is on the incredibly talented Rap and R&B artist Bindy, who is lending his voice to share the beloved children’s book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr. The catchy program features not just artists reading classic children’s tales but also pairs their readings with an energetic musical backdrop, specifically crafted by local Hamilton County students who are part of the Dynamo Studios program. What a wonderful way to meld literature and music!

Bringing Community Together

The goal of Beats and Books is clear: to promote literacy while creating a vibrant community. Each month, children will not only enjoy hearing a new story read aloud by their favorite artists but will also get access to free, high-quality children’s books. The program encourages families to dive into reading together at home, creating those important bonding moments while boosting literacy. Both the Public Library and Early Learning Departments carefully select the featured book each month to ensure it resonates with young readers.

A Message from Bindy

Bindy himself shared some heartfelt words about the importance of literacy in a child’s early years: “Literacy and early education are crucial because time flies, and we must ensure our children absorb as much knowledge as possible,” he expressed. “They are our future, and as times evolve, it’s vital to meet them where they are to ensure effective learning.” It’s truly inspiring to see an artist dedicating his time to boosting literacy awareness!

Tune In and Join the Fun!

So, when can you catch the magic of Beats and Books? The monthly read-aloud and musical recordings air on Power 94 every first week on Wednesdays at 3:30 PM. It’s an hour of pure joy that families can look forward to together. Once the airing wraps up, there’s more excitement in store!

Students from grades K-3 will receive take-home library kits filled with valuable reading materials. On top of that, there will be a limited number of signed copies by that month’s featured artist available at several locations including the Downtown Public Library, Eastgate Public Library, South Chattanooga Library, and Avondale Community Center. How cool is that?

A Bright Future for Chattanooga’s Young Readers

Through the continued effort of the Beats and Books program, Chattanooga is nurturing a love for reading that promises to shape the future. It’s fostering curiosity, imagination, and excitement for learning, laying a strong foundation for the community’s youth. So gather your little ones, tune in, and let the adventures of Beats and Books transport you into wonderful worlds of imagination!