Rent-to-own News - National TV Sales and Rentals kicks off in-store literacy program

Librarian Heidi Lanz (L) and Kathy Windsor (center) lead a "coloring" session at National TV's first ever "Reading, wRiting and Rent to own" storytime Wednesday.

Lebanon, Missouri-based National TV Sales and Rental Wednesday, planted the seedlings of what the company hopes will expand into a literacy program shared by rent to own companies across the country.

Around 15 children of all ages crowded into National TV's Lamar, Missouri store to hear Heidi Lanz from the local Mary Kay Finley Library read "The Snail and the Whale" after which the children colored pictures, sang some songs and had a snack.

"Kids are bombarded so much these days by television, video games and electronic media, we really wanted to put the emphasis on reading," said National TV Sales owner Kathy Windsor. "We just felt like we could do something in the store that could really encourage a love of reading."

And that's how the mother and grandmother envisioned the "three R's" -- Reading-wRiting and Rent to own -- at an Imagery Marketing seminar around a year ago.

She and husband, Mark, discussed the concept with their employees, but it took a single event for the idea to really sink in for Lamar Assistant Manager, Jeff Burton.

Only after he saw a customer come into his store, find the merchandise he wanted, then cower out the door at the prospect of reading a rental contract, did the notion of combating illiteracy really crystallize. The customer was saved -- Burton read the contract to him aloud -- but the experience left an impression.

"There's been around a 30 percent decrease in literacy programs in Missouri and a 22 percent increase in illiteracy rates," Burton said. "We're very excited about this program and want to help children fall in love with reading, but also help parents learn how important it is to spend time reading to their children. Having a close working relationship with the local library is key."

The next book readings are scheduled for July 7 and July 21.

Eventually Burton and the Windsors foresee a literacy corner, or "Kid Zone" in National TV stores, stocked with books from the library, where children can peruse books while their parents shop. Purchasing books to give away at these events is also under discussion as is eventually incorporating an adult literacy program.

"My goal from the beginning was to really take this thing nationwide," Burton said. "We were explaining this to the library and I'm not sure they really understand how large and motivated our industry is. When we get behind something, we really get behind something."