Governor's Early Literacy Foundation

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.

Thank you Delta Dental of Tennessee for inviting GELF to be part of 60 Moments of Surprise Smiles!

When a Linden Elementary School librarian in Oak Ridge shared her wish to send students home for the summer with 3-4 new books, Delta Dental made it happen, and we were grateful to play a part.

Access to books at home can make a lasting difference for children and families, especially during the summer months. We’re proud to partner with organizations like Delta Dental that help create joyful reading moments for Tennessee students.

Happy summer reading to our friends at Linden Elementary!

Facebook post sparks major book donation for Oak Ridge students A media specialist at Linden Elementary School saw a need to help students get books of their own, so she turned to Facebook and asked for help. The response she received was overwhelming.

We’re grateful for the members of Tennessee’s General Assembly who joined us at this year’s Literacy Alliance Dinner and for their continued partnership to strengthen early literacy across our state.

As the 114th General Assembly adjourns, we recognize the impact of that support. It ensures more than 500,000 children, families, and educators across Tennessee receive books and literacy resources through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and our K–3 Home Library program.

These photos tell that story. From leaders showing up in support, to students receiving books of their own, this work is reaching classrooms, homes, and communities in all 95 counties.

We’re proud to continue this work together to ensure every child in Tennessee has the opportunity to read and succeed!

While we've been reminiscing on last week's Literacy Alliance Dinner, we have to give a special shout out to our friends at Scholastic and award-winning authors, Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen.

The real fun started on Tuesday morning at Nashville Classical Charter School. Mac and Jon read "Three Billy Goats Gruff" and "Triangle" to students AND gave them a signed copy of the book to keep as their own.

Getting to spend these moments reading with Tennessee students is always a special treat - thank you Mac, Jon, and the students at Nashville Classical for a fun morning!

We still can’t get over last week’s Literacy Alliance Dinner.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us, and to the partners and friends of GELF who made the night possible.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Pinnacle Financial Partners, and to our supporting sponsors, Dollar General Literacy Foundation, HCA Healthcare, Diversified Trust, Holland & Knight LLP, Praxess, CoreCivic, and Lipman Brothers, who helped bring the evening to life.

We can’t wait to continue this work alongside all of you!

We’re still thinking about this week’s Literacy Alliance Dinner.

We loved bringing leaders from across Tennessee together this week for the Literacy Alliance Dinner to celebrate impact and continue the work ahead. Together, we’ve delivered 4.6 million books this year, reaching more than 422,000 students and teachers statewide.

We're grateful to Gov. Bill Lee, our partners, and the many advocates helping expand early literacy across Tennessee.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Pinnacle Financial Partners, and to Dollar General Literacy Foundation, HCA Healthcare, Diversified Trust, Holland & Knight, Praxess, CoreCivic Foundation, and Lipman Brothers for their support.

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