Husker athletes kicked off the first-ever “Go Big Read” event on Monday morning, visiting Lincoln Public Schools elementary students to promote literacy.
The week-long event, organized in partnership with Linked-2-Literacy, began at Norwood Park Elementary and will include visits to various schools and community centers. The goal is to encourage a love for reading and improve literacy rates among young students.
Addressing Literacy Challenges
According to 2024 national data, only 59% of third graders were proficient in English and language arts. To address this, the Nebraska Department of Education has secured a $55 million grant to raise the proficiency rate to 75% by 2030.
“If you can get the kids to understand and engage by getting the right books in their hands at the right time with the right partners, then you’ll have readers for life,” said Marna Munn, a Linked-2-Literacy board member.
Third-grader Kyson Stark highlighted why reading is important:
“You can use those words and you know how to pronounce them. If you get them wrong, you might have to go back another year and stay in the same grade,” Stark said.
Athletes Inspire Students
Husker athletes took part in the event by reading to students, including senior softball catcher Ava Bredwell, who read a book about gratitude.
“It was really fun because we read a book about gratitude, and I think it really spoke to them,” Bredwell said. “It seemed like they got the point of the book, so I hope moving forward that made an impact on them.”
Upcoming ‘Go Big Read’ Events
The event will continue throughout the week with activities across Lincoln:
- Tuesday, February 25 – Go Big Read at the Library
- Husker cheerleaders, spirit squad, and mascots will visit library programs across the city.
- Storytime at Walt Branch – 10:15-10:45 a.m.
- Wee Workout at Eiseley Branch – 10:35-10:55 a.m.
- Music and Movement at Gere Branch – 10:35-10:55 a.m.
- Wednesday, February 26 – Go Big Read in the Community
- Gathering Place (1448 E St) – 4:00-5:00 p.m. (Reading event & book drive)
- Air Park Community Center – 4:30-5:30 p.m. (Free books for children)
- Thursday, February 27 – Go Big Read Together
- Sheldon Art Museum (Reading Through Art, ages 5-12) – 4:00-6:00 p.m.
- Free books, library sign-ups, and educational materials available.
- Friday, February 28 – Go Big Read at Home
- Families are encouraged to read together for 30 minutes and share pictures using #GoBigRead for a chance to win a Nebraska Athletics prize pack.
Stay Connected
For more updates on Go Big Read, follow Nebraska News for coverage throughout the week.
