Submitted by Mary Reynolds, Rotary Club of Austin
The Rotary Club of Austin and its members love to do book drives for BookSpring because they know it puts books in the hands of children who may not have any in their homes. We also know that real books give these children a chance to explore and develop a love for reading. When we donate the books to BookSpring we know they are being put to good use for our community and it is a great way to recycle books that our children and grandchildren have outgrown. Rotary is about making the world a better place and by giving books to our community and our children, it is our way to achieve our Rotary goal, one child at a time!
We have found that children of all ages love to receive a book of their very own from BookSpring whether it is through the Reach Out and Read (ROR) clinic programs, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) programs in the schools or with the ReBook program. It is easy to get our members to donate the books, new or gently used, because they know they can be for any age and are a treasured possession. It is important that the books be clean and in good condition so that the children are proud of their new book and will handle it with respect and care. We have also learned that many times the child who receives our books passes them down to the next generation and these children have taught their brothers and sisters, and sometimes their parents, to read and to love books. Cuddling with a child while you explore a book is one of the most important times for the child and parent to connect and share a fun experience in this busy world. Like Rotary, sharing books makes the world a healthier and happier place for children.
