Morehead builds children's library to boost literacy rates

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The City of Morehead is constructing a children's little library at Morehead City Park as part of its America 250th anniversary celebration, aiming to increase access to books and improve reading proficiency among local elementary students, according to LEX 18 News.

The initiative comes as Rowan County faces literacy challenges. According to the Kentucky Department of Education, 28% of Rowan County elementary students were proficient in reading during the 2024-2025 school year, slightly below the state average of 30%.

Jenny Frazier, communications director for the City of Morehead and a member of the local America 250 planning committee, said addressing literacy is central to the project's mission. "We are working towards that life long learner and promoting literacy," she said.

Local high school students are building the little library, designed with young readers in mind. The structure will feature books ranging from those for the earliest ages through chapter books, and the community is being asked to donate gently used or new children's books of all reading levels.

The book drive represents a broader community effort, Frazier emphasized. "With this committee, we have people from every area in the town and county. This is just another example how important it is when we work together, we can create wonderful things in the future," she told LEX 18.

Community members can drop off donated books at the Morehead Police Department or at the front desk of the Rowan County Public Library. The donation deadline is Friday, May 15.

Little libraries, small box structures that function as community lending libraries, have become increasingly popular across the United States as grassroots efforts to promote reading and community engagement. Morehead's project reflects a growing recognition of the importance of early childhood literacy and community involvement in educational outcomes.