The Junior League of Dayton initiated its current community impact focus area of literacy during the 2014-15 League year, launching its effort by working with local elementary schools to restock their libraries and assisting local branch libraries with their literacy programs targeting school-aged children. The League rededicated our commitment to literacy in 2024 by narrowing our focus to 3rd Grade Reading Readiness, targeting children in grades Kindergarten through third grade more specifically.

The most extensive piece of the League’s literacy focused community impact offerings is Learn, Grow, Explore; a fun, educational literacy-based activity series held at the Dayton Metro Library’s Northwest Branch during the summer.

Spurred by the need to counteract summer slide, the Junior League of Dayton teamed up with the Northwest Branch and area organizations to plan and host several well-attended lunchtime programs during June and July. Starting in summer 2025, the program has expanded to include the Huber Heights branch as well.

The 2 hour programs take place after the library serves free meals to area children through the federal summer lunch program. Themes for the Friday sessions range from hands-on rocket building to interactive science fun with organizations like Cincinnati Children’s Museum and Boonshoft Museum, to live animal talks with Five River MetroParks. Librarians select age-appropriate books to incorporate into the activity, encouraging children to continue learning at home.

In addition to the Dayton Metro Library partnership, the Learn, Grow, Explore team works to add community impact shifts throughout the year to promote literacy efforts in greater Dayton and get more League members involved. Volunteer shifts include partnering with other community partners serving children and families, assisting branch libraries for literacy events throughout the fall, winter and spring and taking part in community events on National Night Out in August, National Read Across America Day March 2 (Dr. Seuss’ birthday!) and the Month of the Young Child in April. The League is also helping to fill Little Free Libraries with engaging books for all ages across the Dayton community.

For more information about Learn, Grow, Explore, please contact the Junior League of Dayton at [email protected].