This year’s bookfair at Barnes & Noble on Saturday, November 23 was our most successful ever, thanks to you! It was a day of stories, crafts, poetry, and more. We are thankful that so many families and individuals from the community could join us and support literacy.
The event also kicked off our annual children’s book drive. The book drive provides about 5,000 books throughout the community. Children in six elementary schools receive new books for summer reading and gently used donations are made available at food pantries and shelters. Without the children’s book drive many children would not have any books to read. Because of your generosity, children can practice reading, build skills, and increase knowledge. Included in the selection of books are science and nature books, biographies, and true stories.
As we look ahead to the new year, it’s a great time to start a new reading habit and encourage your children to read as well. How can you do this? Mary Dupius, retired Penn State Education faculty and current Mid-State Literacy Council Board of Directors member, recommends, “Be sure to allow your children to read what interests them. This may be (usually is) not what they’re reading in school. If they like sports, then get them sports books or magazines: find a book about their favorite sport or team or their favorite ball player. If your child likes horses, do the same thing. Lots of good books focus on people and horses, or dogs, or…. you name it. If you can’t find one, ask your librarian or a teacher. And your local library is the best place to start this process. Visit the children’s section or ask the folks there for help.”
You can still give gently used books as part of our book drive. Please bring donations directly to the Mid-State Literacy Council office, 248 E Calder Way, Suite 307 during normal office hours, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please do not include encyclopedias, textbooks, Reader’s Digest condensed books, or magazines. If you have any questions, please call (814) 238-1809. Thank you for making a difference and spreading the joy of reading!
