5,000 Books!

Today is probably a good day to explain some of the the "why" and "how" of Project Read.

Why? To promote literacy from birth to age 3 (and beyond) for all in Itasca County. We know reading and speaking to babies from their first day makes their brains develop and prepares them for success in school and life.

How? Through the efforts of volunteers and generous contributors just like YOU.

Distributing free, new or gently used, books at the Children's Fair is one of Project Read's many activities. Diane Skelly, Travel Master, Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, and Book Drive guru did her motivational magic at Forest Lake Elementary this year and collected 1900 books. Contributions from the Grand Rapids Area Library and the Eagleview Community Foundation brought the total to ... well we actually lost count somewhere upwards of 4,000.

Stop by the Project Read booth at the Children's Fair in Grand Rapids today. The books are free, take two!