‘Reading Under The Stars’ For Kids: Free Event In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — A free event on Wednesday in Newark will include children’s book giveaways, book readings, food and more, organizers say.

The Mayor’s Office of Special Projects and the Office of Comprehensive Community Education will hold the 5th annual “Reading Under The Stars” event from 5 to 8 p.m. at Ivy Hill Park on Mt. Vernon Place in Newark on Aug. 9.

According to a social media post from the City of Newark, the event will be the latest in an ongoing drive to instill a love for reading in the city’s youngest residents.

In late July, several Newark community leaders gathered for a news conference at the Newark Public Library to announce a 10-point plan to improve youth literacy in the New Jersey’s largest city. The plan will rely on cooperation between local schools, parents and community groups, who will team up to boost child literacy for toddlers through third graders.

Only 19 percent of Newark’s third grade students passed a New Jersey reading exam last year, data shows. READ MORE: Newark Has Plan To Improve 'Alarming' Student Reading Scores

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