But equity isn’t just about test scores. It’s about access. In our county:

- 15% of children under 18 live below the poverty line, which can limit access to books, internet, and quiet places to read (Census Reporter, 2023).

- 17% of adults in Indiana demonstrate low literacy skills, which affects how families can support early reading at home (NCES, 2019).

That’s why we don’t just measure literacy equity by what happens in schools. We look at libraries, museums, zoos, and homes. We ask whether children can read aloud in public spaces, follow instructions for science experiments, and access voice-over books and digital definitions. We build literacy into everyday life—not just curriculum

One major improvement came through the Jennings County Public Library’s strategic transformation. In 2022, the library launched the WOW Bus (Words on Wheels)—a mobile book service that now reaches 89 stops across the county, including preschools, daycares, low-income neighborhoods, and public events. In its first nine months, the WOW Bus recorded over 4,000 checkouts and 14,000 attendees, dramatically expanding access to books and literacy programming (ReThinking Libraries, 2023).

In addition, Jennings County School Corporation’s third-grade reading proficiency rose to 91.75% in 2025, up from 77% the previous year and well above the state average of 87.3% (Madison Courier, 2025). This growth reflects targeted instruction, phonics-based methods like Orton-Gillingham, and increased access to classroom libraries and digital tools.

Local organizations have also stepped in. In 2024, the Jennings County Education Center received a $2,000 literacy grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to support adult and family literacy programs (Seymour Tribune, 2024).

These improvements show that literacy equity is no longer a distant goal—it’s a living practice. Children in Jennings County now read aloud in public spaces, explore science through written instructions, and engage with books that reflect their curiosity and voice. Equity has improved because we’ve refused silence, expanded access, and built literacy into the fabric of everyday life.

Wilma Binford recalls Starting school in 1938; This marked one of the last years of the Great Depression.

North Vernon Indiana, opened its first Public Library in the year 1920. The Library did not have a large array of books and the public schools did not have libraries the way you see today. Students would bring books from home that would be passed around and shared.

Wilma shared how she did not have access to books at home but her mother was a school teacher and she would read books that belonged to her mother, these were instructional books about teaching classroom's. In addition to teaching guides her Father read the Bible aloud each evening. The Bible was a shared family Heirloom.

Wilma later went on to be a Home economics teacher in Jennings County. She still lives on her family farm which holds over 900 acres and is 93 years old.

Gideon said his mom takes him to the Public Library almost everyday where he has access to computers, tablets, and a lot of books. Gideon's mother reads to him every night before bed and after school Gideon reads one book out loud to his mom. Gideon is exposed to reading through online video, web searches and video games. In addition Gideon is expected to read instruction for at home science experiments.

- Museum-on-Wheels Partnership: Collaborate with the Indiana State Museum to bring traveling exhibits, STEM kits, and interactive literacy programming to Jennings County schools, libraries, and festivals (Indiana Museum Outreach).

- Expand WOW Bus Routes: Increase weekend stops, bilingual materials, and pop-up reading spaces at parks, shelters, and community centers (Jennings County Public Library Programs).

- Literacy Equity Kits: Distribute curated bundles with read-aloud guides, science instructions, and digital access to voice-over books and definitions.

This campaign is a vow—to protect every reader, honor every voice, and build a county where reading is ritual, not privilege.

• Rural students are less likely to attend college: In 2024, only 59% of rural high school graduates enrolled in postsecondary education, compared to 67% of urban graduates.

• Limited access to advanced coursework: Rural schools offer fewer AP and honors classes, reducing exposure to critical thinking and college readiness.

2. Drug Use and Addiction

• Over half of Americans aged 12+ have used illicit drugs: 51.2% have tried illicit substances at least once.

• Rural overdose rates surpass urban: The CDC reports that drug overdose deaths are now more common in rural areas than urban ones, despite lower reported drug use.

• Youth vulnerability: Rural adolescents face unique risks due to isolation, lack of prevention programs, and limited mental health support.

3. Criminal Activity and Systemic Risk

• Drug-related crime is rising: The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics links substance abuse to increased incarceration and criminal behavior, especially in underserved regions.

• Cycle of neglect: Without intervention, educational neglect feeds into addiction, which in turn fuels criminal activity—creating generational trauma and systemic instability.

Every dayA few times a weekA few times a monthSeveral times a yearRarely or never14.3%14.3%64.3%

Every day9A few times a week2A few times a month1Several times a year0Rarely or never2

What kinds of reading materials do you have at home?
14 responses

051015Children or young adult b…Comics or graphic novelsMagazines or newspaperReligious textsebooks or audiobooksInformational books such…We do not have many re…14 (100%)14 (100%)8 (57.1%)8 (57.1%)6 (42.9%)6 (42.9%)8 (57.1%)8 (57.1%)6 (42.9%)6 (42.9%)5 (35.7%)5 (35.7%)0 (0%)0 (0%)

ValueCountChildren or young adult books14Comics or graphic novels8Magazines or newspaper6Religious texts8ebooks or audiobooks6Informational books such as biographies, dictionaries, thesaurus, travel, cooking etc...5We do not have many reading materials0

In what language(s) do you read at home?
14 responses

Englishenglish05101513 (92.9%)1 (7.1%)1 (7.1%)

ValueCountEnglish13english1

Who reads with your children14 responses

051015Parent/guardianGrandparents, aunts, unc…SiblingsChild(red) read independ…Teacher/tutorNo oneaNo kids in the house11 (78.6%)11 (78.6%)3 (21.4%)3 (21.4%)4 (28.6%)4 (28.6%)6 (42.9%)6 (42.9%)4 (28.6%)4 (28.6%)1 (7.1%)1 (7.1%)1 (7.1%)1 (7.1%)1 (7.1%)1 (7.1%)

ValueCountParent/guardian11Grandparents, aunts, uncles3Siblings4Child(red) read independently6Teacher/tutor4No one1a1No kids in the house1

Do you visit the library with your child(ren)?
14 responses

Yes, RegularlyOccasionallyRarelyNeverWe do not have a nearby librarOther7.1%14.3%28.6%42.9%

Yes, Regularly1Occasionally6Rarely4Never1We do not have a nearby librar0Other2

What challenges (if any) make it hard to support reading at home?
14 responses

051015Limited timeNot enough books at homeMy children do not enjoyreadingI am not confident inreadingLanguage barriera11 (78.6%)11 (78.6%)1 (7.1%)1 (7.1%)2 (14.3%)2 (14.3%)0 (0%)0 (0%)0 (0%)0 (0%)1 (7.1%)1 (7.1%)

ValueCountLimited time11Not enough books at home1My children do not enjoy reading2I am not confident in reading0Language barrier0a1

Would you participate in any of the following if offered?
14 responses

051015Family Reading nightsBook giveawaysLiteracy workshopsBilingual book clubs11 (78.6%)11 (78.6%)9 (64.3%)9 (64.3%)5 (35.7%)5 (35.7%)1 (7.1%)1 (7.1%)

ValueCountFamily Reading nights11Book giveaways9Literacy workshops5Bilingual book clubs1

What does reading mean in your family?
14 responses

It helps us bond and learn new things together

Homework

It's a chance to connect and unwind. I read to my children at bedtime and they love it.

Reading schoolwork is the most important and making reading material available for fun at home

a

Reading is a way to get close to my son physically and emotionally. When we learn of a new place we have never been we snuggle up together and go on adventures to new places and worlds through the art of literacy.

I don't understand the question

Fun, hobby

Sitting or laying around discovering through literacy how other people do things.

It's very important, a building block of life.

Helps our children’s imagination and lets us spend time with them

Mom

Several people in our household love to read and do it as a hobby everyday as enjoyment it is a important part of their days

It helps to learn more words and meaning of words.

What would help your family support literacy better at home?
14 responses

Having more access to books at home

Exciting topics

We're pretty good at reading every night.

Building more time for family reading

a

Exposure to new experiences in the community such as museums and zoo's.

Time

time

more hours in the day

Less work hrs

Nothing

None

Designated time for family reading

Buying more books and reading them

Is there anything else you'd like to share about literacy in your home or community?
14 responses

No

n/a

No thank u

It should be more fun

No.

a

Literacy helps children explore new ideas and decide the life they would like to lead.

no

There are bookstores and several libraries around town. There are book boxes set up in many locations also.