READERS TO LEADERS
Last week, we celebrated National Literacy Month by holding a book fair at a Fairfax County elementary school. Fifteen of our dedicated members helped the students choose a book to take home at our ‘Build a Child’s Library’ event. The book selections were arranged on tables by grade level and our volunteers assisted the students in making their selections. A volunteer stamped each book with “This Book Belongs to” and the students signed the books and got special Assistance League bookmarks. Also, teachers selected books for their students who were absent. In all, more than 700 students received a new book. We used some of the grant funds received from the Friends of the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library to purchase books for this event.
We love to hear the students say “Oh, that’s a good book” because it means that they are reading, that our book selections are spot on, and that the student next to them gets a good book suggestion. It is also heart-warming when the students ask: “Can I take it home?” and we say “Yes, it is your book!” One student chose a book for her little brother, instead of herself, because “He doesn’t have a book.” A school administrator commented on how great the event was and said “Yesterday, many of our students didn’t have a book. Tonight, over 700 students will have books in their homes.” The students are always so grateful, school staff are happy their students have new books, and our members feel the joy of making a difference for so many. It was a great day for all who participated!
