The City of Springfield hosted an early literacy partnership event on Tuesday, December 9 at 10:30 a.m. at the Springfield Elementary School Media Center. The event brought together the Mayor’s Reading Club, Ferst Readers, Effingham County Schools, and local officials to advance coordinated efforts that support young children from birth to age five.

This gathering is part of a growing partnership among Georgia cities and Ferst Readers focused on closing early childhood literacy gaps by ensuring that books, reading resources, and early learning opportunities are within reach of every Georgia child. The emphasis is on aligned, community supported strategies that build strong literacy foundations before kindergarten.

“Early literacy shapes a child’s readiness for school and long-term success,” said Mayor-elect Ricky Eilerman of Springfield. “Working with partners who share our commitment allows us to expand access to books and strengthen the path to early reading success for children and families.”

“In Effingham County Schools, we know that the early years are a defining window for learning,” said Dr. Yancy Ford, Superintendent of Effingham County Schools and member of the Georgia Council on Literacy. “Partnerships like this ensure that our youngest learners have the books, support, and encouragement they need long before they enter a classroom. When families and communities come together around literacy, students thrive.”

“With the launch of the Effingham Literacy Council, we are beginning important work that can make a meaningful difference right here in our own community,” said Mrs. Dayle Burns, who spearheaded the council and works closely with the Georgia Council on Literacy. “Learning begins long before a child enters a classroom, and when communities invest early, we give every child a stronger path forward.”

"Advancing childhood literacy in Georgia begins with strong community partnerships, and we are proud to stand with state and local leaders to bring this important literacy day to Effingham County,” said Davida Morgan Washington, CEO of Ferst Readers.

Ferst Readers provides free monthly books and parent engagement tools for children from birth to five. The Mayor’s Reading Club encourages families to read together and promotes civic engagement around literacy. Effingham County Schools continues to enhance classroom instruction, structured literacy support, and early learning readiness.

The December 9 event included brief remarks from city leaders and literacy partners, along with a shared commitment to expanding early literacy opportunities through coordinated statewide partnerships.