Central North Carolina initiative aims to boost literacy with community book drive

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Literacy rates are at an all-time high, but only one-third of students can read above a third-grade level.

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Shai X Siddhi is working hard to collect books to spark change.

“This is about boosting literacy,” he said. “This is about giving children who love to read an opportunity to enjoy reading in an open space in the community.”

Siddhi said the ideas sparked through his own studies.

“I learned about Black August a couple of years ago when I was doing a fellowship with the Wake County Housing Justice Coalition,” he said.

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According to Siddhi, learning about Black August, a month-long observance honoring Black freedom movements and activists, inspired him to find a way to give back to the community.

“The goal is to get a thousand books,” Siddhi said. “I know it’s a lofty goal, but it’s not too high or too low. It’s a matter of putting forth the effort to reach that goal.

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Siddhi plans to host a free book fair next month to give away the books.

To learn about the drive and donate, visit the GoFundMe page.