SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Every first and third grader at Springfield Public Schools is taking part in the Real Men Read program this school year, marking the fourth consecutive year for the initiative.

At Southern View Elementary, a first grade class gets a visit each month from Nathan Briggs, a volunteer the students call Mr. Nate. Briggs has read a book a month to first-graders for the last three years.

“It sounded like a really cool program and opportunity to do a little bit more volunteer work, especially in the local community,” Briggs said. “I’ve been very fortunate to come here and read to them,” Briggs said.

Originally, reading to the kids was a little intimidating. But Briggs said that fear went away after just one classroom visit.

Briggs said his visits have become something he looks forward to each month.

“It’s fun to see the progression throughout the school year and all the times. By the end of the year, they’re like greeting me at the door with a big hug,” Briggs said.

Briggs said these days are often the highlight of his week, and he walks away from the school feeling a deep sense of joy.

Each month, students receive a copy of the book read to them to take home, building a home library over time.

“I think it’s so important to read at home and to be involved with the family,” Briggs said. “One little girl today said she had a copy of this book already, so she was going to give the new one to her sister. I think that’s great. It just keeps that joy for reading spreading.”

About 100 men volunteer for the Real Men Read program across Springfield Public Schools. This is the fourth year in a row the program has been running.