40K Free Books Distributed To Students, Teachers From Title 1 Schools

LORTON, VA —America Federation of Teachers and the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers joined local officials in distributing 40,000 free books to families and educators from local Title 1 schools. The event took place Saturday as part of the Reading Opens the World Literacy Fair at the Lorton Community Center and Library.

Since December 2021, AFT’s Reading Opens the World initiative has distributed more than 2 million books to students and educators across the country. The initiative is part of the group's ongoing efforts to support schools in need in order to address students experiencing learning loss and loneliness, as well as to improve literacy.

Saturday's fair provided 10 free books per child and 50 free books per teacher to expand libraries at home and in classrooms.

Officials taking part in the event included AFT Secretary-Treasurer Fredrick Ingram, FCFT President David Walrod, Fairfax County Public Schools Region 6 Superintendent Dr. Michelle Boyd, NCS Division Director Chris Scales, and Supervisor Dalia Palchik (D-Providence).