Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a constituent in my district who has made a difference in the lives of many students. In 2009, Melaney Smith met a little girl in Athens, Georgia, who loved to read but had no books at home to read over the summer vacation. After realizing this little girl was one of many children in this situation, Melaney decided to start Books for Keeps, a nonprofit dedicated to keeping children engaged in reading by giving them books to take home over the summer. In the 6 years since its founding, Books for Keeps has donated 185,000 books to children in 10 schools, and Melaney has plans to expand it to 15 more next year. Many children in rural Georgia don't have regular access to libraries, especially during the summer vacation. Location and access to transportation pose a difficulty for many, especially low-income students. Being married to a schoolteacher, I am sure my wife can attest to the frustration teachers feel when August rolls around and they have to spend precious class time reviewing and catching up before they can move on. Every year in May, Books for Keeps sends kids off to summer vacation armed with a variety of titles tailored to their interests to entertain and challenge them over the break. We have Melaney Smith from Athens, Georgia, to thank for her initiative to encourage literacy and to inspire students. ____________________”