In 2014, two out of three kindergarteners in Shelby County entered the school year unprepared. Studies indicate that a child who is not reading at grade level by the end of first grade has an 88 percent probability of not reading at grade level by the end of fourth. When kindergartners come to school lacking the social-emotional, pre-literacy and numeracy skills needed for learning, they typically continue to lag behind throughout their academic career and beyond.

DiscoverREAD" environments are designed to expose children and caregivers to at least three of five Every Child Ready to Read® practices that support early literacy skill development (reading, talking, singing, playing and writing) each time they visit a library. While interacting in the "DiscoverREAD" environments, caregivers and children engage in activities together such as looking at books, doing puzzles, playing games, crafting and singing.

In "DiscoverREAD" environments, caregivers learn methods for engaging their children in easy, affordable learning activities at home. This program also gives caregivers an opportunity to practice the skills they see modeled at storytime events and learn about appropriate use of screen media in their children’s development. "DiscoverREADs" ultimately improve kindergarten readiness by teaching caregivers how to expose their children to activities that promote skill development in a fun, accessible way.