This year marks the 11th anniversary of Project Literacy, a collaborative initiative that features school programs, author visits and book signings for the public. Every first-grader in Midland public and private schools will receive a book to take home and every second grader will have a scheduled school program with an author.

Wells Fargo, Midland County Public Library Foundation, the Midland Reporter-Telegram, Midland ISD and Midland County Public Libraries are working together to promote literacy in the community by providing elementary school students with books and opportunities to foster a love of reading. Project Literacy kicks off October 5 with a celebration at this year’s host school, an elementary campus chosen by the district. Copies of the featured authors book – along with enough Spanish-language translations to give to district ELL students - will be delivered to the school and all other MISD elementary campuses the week prior and volunteers from Wells Fargo and other community members will read the book to first grade classes.

Author visits start with the featured author reading the book to first graders at the host school and continue that Monday with a presentation to 250-350 district second graders at the Bowie Fine Arts Academy auditorium. The following day the featured author will present to two more groups of second graders before signing books at one of the Midland County Public Libraries locations. Two additional authors will each present to three groups of second graders over the next two days. Each author will end the day with a public booksigning at the library.