Books, Books, Book

Books . . . Every child should have the opportunity to discover the joy of a book. GFWC members are encouraged to find organizations that provide books to children.  Imagination Library founded by Dolly Parton is one example. Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write, she founded her Imagination Library in 1995 to provide books to all children within her home county. Today, her program spans five countries and gifts millions of free books each month to children around the world. Children birth through age five can be registered online at: https://imaginationlibrary.com/. GFWC Clubs and members can work with children’s organizations in their communities by sharing information about the program and help ensure families know how to register their children.

Books…In Clackamas County, Oregon, a few friends decided every child should have access to books at home. With a few friends, the Clackamas Bookshelf began in a garage, that provides free books to children who have none. They expanded to a much larger space and have many volunteers, including the local GFWC Oregon City Woman’s Club, who volunteer to clean and sort the donated books. Along with these books and new books they obtain from donations, a couple of books are put in a bookbag and given to all children across the county through the school districts. Since 2014 the Clackamas Bookshelf has distributed 274,000 books.

Is there an organization like this in your area? If not, perhaps GFWC members can help start on or find an existing organization where their time, talents, and resources can help put more books into the hands of children.

Books . . . Clubs or individual members can volunteer to read to children. Time spent reading to kids is invaluable, and many organizations welcome volunteers to come and read. Schools and early childhood programs also welcome guest readers. Does a school near you participate in “Read Across America”? Check with local libraries and childcare centers to see where volunteers are needed. And, don’t forget your family. Read or listen to the littles in your family. You can read to them, they can read to you or even better encourage them to look at the pictures and tell you the story.

Books . . . Donate books or funds as a club or individually. Some clubs have or support Little Free Libraries. Most are in parks or in front of someone’s home, but have you thought of creating one at a laundromat? Donate books to local food pantries, set up a free table at a bazaar or participate in a Trick or Trunk event, where cars gather to give out Halloween treats to kids. At your home on Halloween consider giving out bookmarks instead of passing out candy or both.

What kind of books should you donate? That is up to you! Look for age-appropriate books, based on who and where you are donating. Ask the place you are donating to what books they would like. Don’t forget books about real - life topics, such as friendship, civic engagement, adventure, anxiety, diversity, and making good choices, including titles from a A Kids Book About series. Each book is written by an author with expertise or experience and is designed to be read together with a grown‑up.

No time to obtain books or bookmarks? Consider making a monetary donation.  

Books, the best gift you can give a child.