Hope Mills proclaims Young Readers Day and recognizes sixth‑grader Kinley Milligan

The Hope Mills board on April 20 proclaimed May 7 Young Readers Day and honored Kinley Milligan, a sixth‑grade student at Grace Creek Middle School and founder of Kinley’s Reading Club.

Mayor Jesse Belellflowers read the proclamation recognizing youth literacy and the work of Milligan’s club. Milligan spoke to the board about why she started the club and the importance of access to books: "Every child deserves the chance to fall in love with reading," she said, and noted that "right now, only 32% of fourth graders are reading nationally at a proficient level." Milligan described classroom visits, public speaking, and book‑donation drives that, she said, have placed thousands of books into the hands of children.

Mayor and commissioners praised Milligan’s leadership and encouraged residents to observe Young Readers Day by reading to a child or supporting local literacy efforts. The proclamation and recognition are ceremonial; next steps cited by staff include continued town support for literacy outreach and partnering with local schools and organizations to expand book access.

What happens next: the town will publicly mark May 7 activities and continue to coordinate with Milligan’s Reading Club and local partners to promote literacy.