SAReads Summer Book Drive Collects More than 26,000 Books
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SAN ANTONIO, TX - The SAReads partners are pleased to
announce that the annual SAReads Summer Book Drive collected more than 26,000
books for Bexar County children and teachers.
The SAReads Book Bank distributes these books to schools and nonprofit
organizations throughout the metro area. “Studies show that children having
books in the home is a bigger determinant of reading proficiency than
socioeconomic status. The SAReads Book Bank is working to eradicate book
deserts in Bexar County,” said Pamela Toman, Executive Director of Literacy San
Antonio, Inc.
An increasing number of books will also go directly into
local classrooms via the SAReads Self-Select program.
The self-select program allows recipients to schedule a time
at the book bank where they can personally choose books based on recipients’
ages, reading levels or personal interests. Since the program’s inception, more
than 350 teachers have requested more than 55,000 books through the self-select
program, benefitting more than 41,000 area students. “The San Antonio Public Library promotes
learning and literacy in all forms, and we are proud to partner with SAReads on
this important initiative,” said Ramiro Salazar, Director of the San Antonio
Public Library. “A child is more likely to succeed in school and in life when
families have access to books in their home.”
Members of the community donated books at more than 50
locations including all San Antonio Public Libraries, Firstmark Credit Union
locations, YMCA branches and The Twig Book Shop. “Reading is a critical
foundation to a better education for students of all ages,” said Wendy
Bryant-Beswick, Chief Retail Officer for Firstmark Credit Union. “Partnering
with SAReads for the Summer Book Drive allows our members and employees to play
a role in improving the literacy rate in Bexar County.”
The SAReads Summer Book Drive was founded by Congressman
Joaquín Castro during his tenure in the Texas House of Representatives. It has
since expanded, adding partners and drop-off locations each year. “Every child,
regardless of their background, should have access to books and the educational
foundation they provide. I’m glad that this year’s SAReads book drive was a
great success, and that thousands of San Antonio kids will have the opportunity
to experience the joy of reading and learning. Thanks to our community’s
generosity and SAReads’ hard work, our young people’s futures are brighter.”
The SAReads Book Bank collects books year-round. Organizations interested in hosting a book
drive are encouraged to contact SAReads at info@sareads.org
or by phone at (210) 957-8790. Anyone interested in requesting books from the
SAReads Book Bank should visit our website at literacysanantonio.com.
SAReads
is a project of Literacy San Antonio, Inc. to increase literacy and educational
attainment in Bexar County. For more information on our organization and
programs, please visit literacysanantonio.com.
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