A book recycling project in the Comox Valley giving young readers access to books needs a little help.
The Comox Valley 1000×5 Book Recycling Project says it’s hoping to add more books to its shelves this winter.
It works closely with School District 71 and other organizations in the valley to deliver books to young readers up to the age of five.
It brings the reused books to many places in the valley such as the Immigration Welcome Centre, StrongStart, Jump Start, Family Services, Teddies ‘N Toddlers, and to the Denman Island Childcare Centre.
Program Coordinator for the project, Kate Hackett says the goal is to expose young readers to stories from 1,000 different books, if not more, by the time a child enters kindergarten at the age of five.
“When a child is exposed to a lot of literature before they go to school, they hit the deck running when they start in a school setting. They understand how stories work, how they begin and end. They understand the setting, they understand good and bad characters and they understand the plot. And, when you know how stories work you can predict, which are all higher-level thinking skills,” says Hackett.
Hackett added that the constant reuse of the books means everyone benefits from the program.
“Another really important thing is that this program is from the community back to the community. [Books] come from children who no longer want or need them and go to children who do want and need them. It’s like a direct transfusion.”
If you have any gently used books that you’re willing to donate, you can drop them into the donation bins located at many Comox Valley schools like Airport, Arden, Aspen Park, Brooklyn, Cumberland Community, Courtenay, Queneesh, Miracle Beach, Puntledge Park, Royston, and Valley View.
