Books4U!
A Community Literacy Initiative
Building a Community of Readers
To create a community of readers where reading is celebrated and encouraged—that’s the goal of Books4U! It starts with a small free library reflecting the makeup of the community, with books for all ages, races, ethnicities, reading levels, and interests. Within the books, readers find not only stories but also stickers, bookmarks, and coupons from area retailers and food outlets. In addition, the library will feature notepads, coloring books, crayons, and more. Children ask to stop at the library because it’s fun.
“I’m a Reader!” buttons are worn by people as conversation starters at the grocery store, community center, or events. Businesses and community organizations support the program—and the readers—with signage, swag, and personal recognition. It is from here that a community of readers emerges.
An historically low 69% of the nation’s fourth graders and 70% of eighth graders lack proficiency in literacy, reading below grade level. Additionally, studies show that pre-kindergarten cognitive scores for children from low-income families may average 60% lower than those of children in higher socioeconomic groups. Many of these children may never catch up.
Researchers agree that to develop critical reading skills, children must be read to and have access to books. Books4U! puts books in the hands of children—but not just children—adults as well. Books4U! is based on the belief that children need more than access to books; they also need to be read to and see adult role models reading, including parents, grandparents, older siblings, and community members.
Over the next three years, four Books4U! libraries will be placed in targeted areas with high populations, low median income levels, low median age levels, and a scarcity of reading materials—limited access to free libraries, bookstores, or public libraries.
A team of local stewards will be responsible for keeping each Books4U! library clean, well-stocked, and providing monthly reports on usage. PCE will serve as a steady source of books and materials, as well as support for events, community connections, and outreach.
Another important piece of the puzzle is the art! Street artists from each community will be commissioned to create artwork for the Books4U! libraries for a small stipend. Postcard-sized prints of the artwork will be available in the library, allowing young people to “own” art they recognize.
Community participation is critical. The stewards and PCE representatives will work to build relationships with local businesses, preschools, churches, community centers, after-school programs, and professional offices. Community support will include book drives, reading awards, book giveaways, writing and illustrating contests, book clubs, and more.
PCE’s goal is for these libraries to take on a life of their own. Imagine family book clubs forming in churches and community centers. Picture a grocery store checker noticing an “I’m a Reader” button and asking a 10-year-old what they’re reading. Think about a nurse at a doctor’s office sharing one of her favorite books. Together, we’re creating a culture of reading.
To Get Involved – Give Your Time, Talents, and Treasures
- Be a connector: Connect PCE and Books4U! to friends, business associates, and others who share similar values and goals.
- Facilitate a book drive at your place of employment or with your service club.
- Serve on a Books4U! committee or the Partnership for Community Enrichment advisory committee.
- Offer in-kind goods and services to PCE to support projects and events, including food for events, printing, t-shirts, and copy/print services.
- Provide stickers, bookmarks, pencils, and other items for inclusion in the library boxes.
- Make facilities available for meetings, events, and storage/sorting of books and other materials.
- Make a donation.
Talk to us
Ideas? Questions? We are always open to new suggestions and available to talk about possible new projects!