Many families spend hours in laundromats each week washing clothing and bedding, and children often have to tag along.
For kids, that time can be really boring.
The Early Learning Partnership of York County wants to help make that a fun and enjoyable experience.
ELP with the York County Library, the Junior Welfare League and Tadean Page with Project 85 recently dedicated its new Loads of Literacy project at laundromats across York County.
Donated children’s books are available in literacy spaces at five local laundromats so parents can read with their children while doing laundry. They can choose books to take home, too.
With schools on new schedules and families staying at home, many children may not have as much access to books as they once did, said Teresa Creech, executive director of ELP.
“Everybody has to still do laundry,” she said. The project is “making sure we are getting books into the hands of children.”
“We just want to make sure children have access to books any time,” she said. “And it’s a great activity when you come to the laundromat if you bring your children.”
Similar projects to provide literacy resources can be found at laundromats across the nation.
Creech said reading to your baby during pregnancy and after birth, and reading with your child often as he or she grows up, is one of the most important activities that parents can do to make sure their child is successful.
Talk, sing, write, play and of course, read to your child as often as you can, she said. Use words, words, words, and grow their vocabulary.
Loads of Literacy locations in York County:
Washerette, 825 Bethel St., Clover;
South Congress Street Washerette, 213 S. Congress St., York;
Kwik Clean, 223 Sanders St., Fort Mill;
Coin Laundry Express, 2007 Celanese Road, Rock Hill;
Fast Pace Coin-Op Laundry, 100 Cherry Rd., Rock Hill.
Want to help?
Donate new or gently used children’s books to ELP by cleaning out your bookshelf or hosting a book drive. Books can be dropped off at Knowledge Perk, 130 W. White St., Rock Hill. Or you can send a monetary donation on the ELP web site, elpofyorkcounty.org, to assist in buying new books; ELP can buy new books for less than $5 each.