Research shows that access to books and early childhood reading development are key success factors to future success in school and in life. Our goal is to eliminate access barriers by bringing books to targeted locations for distribution and promote reading by providing active reading programming to both children and their parents. To accomplish this we have purchased a 7’ x 16’ trailer and outfitted the interior of the trailer to transport books and provide programming at community events, in under-privileged neighborhoods and partner locations. Books are given away (not checked out) and are accompanied by an active reading programs to reinforce both the children’s reading ability and the parents ability to engage in this activity in their home.
Anne Murr
The bookmobile was named after long time Summit Rotarian and lifelong educator, Anne Murr, who chaired the Thrive by Five Committee from its inception until her passing in 2022. It was her dream to be able to eliminate barriers to books thereby improving childhood literacy in Greensboro and surrounding communities. In 2017 Anne read a book entitled The First 1000 Days, which outlines the fact that 80 % of a child’s brain development occurs by age 3 and 90% by age 5. This inspired Anne to determine where gaps existed in our community that enable early childhood literary. She spent over a year evaluating this issue and determined that transportation and access to books were the barriers preventing early childhood literacy. From this work The First 1000 Days Committee (later renamed the Thrive by Five Committee to broaden the group’s efforts) was born.
With her passing the committee membership decided it was time to make her dream a reality! Anne is pictured seated on the side of the trailer with a book in her hand and beloved cat by her side. Staffing and programming support to facilitate the purchase of books and other supplies has predominantly been provided by Summit Rotary, several other Greensboro Rotary Clubs, including Southern Guilford and the Airport Club, and the Summit Rotary Foundation.
Anne's bookmobile