The purpose of the Young Readers Council is to promote literacy by distributing personalized books to children.  Money is raised through private and public donations and the books are provided to the recipient at no cost.  Personalized books not only improve a child’s self esteem, but also motivate a child to read because they are one of the main characters in the book. Personalized books are loved and read over and over by the whole family. The Young Readers Council uses the expertise of the book publisher to provide the materials for the literacy based assembly programs.

One of the most unique components of this program is that the children receive a free personalized hard cover story book, “Homer and Me.” The program director will perform 30 minute assembly programs to include live appearances by “Homer” the mascot of the Home Run Against Drugs program. The child’s first and last name, hometown, school name and teacher’s name is needed to make one book, and this is needed for each child in the assembly program. A professional speaker puts on the assembly, and the guest speaker also speaks as a “role model.” These guest speakers are pro ball players, or other professionals who usually wear a uniform for impact. Books are distributed after the assembly. The children will own their own book and take them home.