Did you know that 61% of children in low-income families don't own a book? Or that the most successful way to improve the reading achievement of low-income children is to increase their access to print? And that half of children from low-income communities start first grade up to two years behind their peers?
Willow Tree Library, a local non-profit organization based in West Michigan, recognized the need to increase access to books for children and families in low-income neighborhoods. Through the volunteer and donation efforts of the community, Willow Tree Library is helping establish and maintain exchange libraries in under-resourced communities throughout Kent County.
Willow Tree Library will construct and install "little free libraries" throughout communities in Kent County to promote access to reading materials for kids of all ages. In addition, family friendly books for reading aloud and books for parents to read so they can model literacy building will also be included.
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With the help of the community, we can take this literacy project to the next level. A book drive is taking place at City2Shore Real Estate Foundations, led by Sarah Boucher, Realtor, with a goal of collecting 500 new or gently used books by the end of May. Book donations can be dropped off at 2180 44th St. SE, Suite 303, Kentwood, MI 49508 Monday-Friday between 10am-2pm. The office is located on the 2nd floor.
Treadstone Funding has also joined the literacy efforts and will have a drop box for books available Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm outside their office door located at 214 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Have questions? Give Sarah a call at 517-331-3460 or send her an email.
Want to know more about Willow Tree Library and stay up to date with the latest happenings? Follow them on Facebook.
Want to learn about additional opportunities for getting involved involved with Willow Tree Library such as building the exchange libraries or making a monetary donation? Email Willow Tree Library at willowtreelibrary@gmail.com.
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Sources:
Newman, Sanford, et all. “American’s Child Care Crisis: A Crime Prevention Tragedy”; Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, 2000.
Reading Literacy in the United States: Findings from the IEA Reading Literacy Study. (1996).
Brizius, J. A., & Foster S. A. (1993). Generation to Generation: Realizing the Promise of Family Literacy. High/Scope Press.
