LEXINGTON, Ky. — Central Kentucky students and educators got to choose between up to 40-thousand to take home.
The national union, the American Federation of Teachers, and their local affiliate Kentucky 120 United, have joined Fayette County Public Schools for a day to give back.
Volunteers from the AFT and community helped visitors as they picked from the long stacks of brand-new books. Along with the books were entertainment groups and vendors like Tiki’s Shaved Ice, and face painting professionals.
Fayette County Public School kindergarten teacher, Sarah Bayerle is an American federation of teachers member for Kentucky 120 United. She says their efforts are starting to take off.
“It’s a newer organization and newer partner to the community and this is kind of our big introduction to the community. We believe in our community and partner with them and what better way to show that we’re here for our families than to put books in the hands of families?” Bayerle said.
Choosing up to 30, FCPS teachers from around the city are picking-out books for their classrooms while students and families are choosing books for their home libraries.
AFT and Kentucky 120 United work to advocate and provide students and teachers across the state resources that promote academic success and diversity. The Kentucky 120 United, which began in 2018, uses its efforts to help be a voice regarding the rights Kentucky of educators.
“We’re here because we love the kids and we believe in them and what they’re capable of and that starts with reading and we want to have them read for academic purposes but also teach them to enjoy reading,” Bayerle said.
The event is a part of the AFT’s 12-month cross-country tour to give away one million pieces of free literature.
Hunger Games actor and Kentucky native Josh Hutcherson in a special video invited kids to attend the ‘Reading Opens the World’ event this month.