April 11th through the 15th the library will be hosting the annual We Read Week, and event that celebrates reading by providing each student with a free book and time for reading in each class.

This week is dedicated to encouraging people to read, create a more welcoming environment, and an opportunity for teachers to connect with students.

This is the 12th year Graves County has hosted this event.

“According to the International Reading Association, teachers who encourage students to read books of their choice for pleasure is a major contribution towards students developing a positive attitude towards reading and a life-long interest in reading,” said GCHS Librarian Ashley Archer.

Students will go with to the library with their English teachers to choose their books. Each class should dedicate 10-15 minutes of sustained reading every day that week.

“According to the Reading Agency, reading for pleasure has many non-literacy benefits and can increase empathy, improve relationships with others, reduce the symptoms of depression and improve wellbeing throughout life,” continued Ms. Archer.  “Reading increases a person’s understanding of their own identity, improves empathy and gives them an insight into the world view of others.”

Additionally, research has proven that there is “a strong association between the amount of reading for pleasure students say they do and their reading achievement (Twist 2007).” “Students who read for pleasure make significantly more progress in vocabulary, spelling and math than children who read very little (Sullivan and Brown 2013).”