Powell River and District United Way’s Success By 6 has partnered with First Credit Union to create an initiative focusing on promoting literacy in Powell River with The Little Green Bookshelf campaign.
“The Little Green Bookshelf program will place bright green bookshelves throughout the Powell River community filled with gently used or new books appropriate for children from birth to age six,” said Elise Statham, Success By 6 coordinator.
The books have been donated by community members and local organizations or purchased new through the Credit Union of BC grant to fund this initiative.
“Children are encouraged to take a book home with them to keep from the bookshelves and then return the book to one of the four bookshelf locations and take a new book,” added Statham. They are located at Powell River Recreation Complex, First Credit Union on Joyce Avenue, Family Place in Town Centre Mall and the Parenting Centre and Library at Powell River Child, Youth and Family Services’ new location at Oceanview Education Centre.
“We’re so grateful to John Anaka who volunteered to build the bookshelves,” said Statham.
First Credit Union and Success By 6 believe that The Little Green Bookshelf campaign will encourage parent-child interaction in time spent reading together along with increasing book ownership by families. The two organizations recognize that an important part of promoting literacy is fostering book ownership and a love for books.
“This initiative allows easy access for families to discover new stories through the constant flow of books being shared on the bookshelves,” Statham said.
Donations of gently used or new books appropriate for children six and under can be dropped off at the United Way office above RONA Building Centre, the Success By 6 community office at Westview Elementary School or at First Credit Union.
Members of a service group or organization who would like to do a book drive, be a drop-off location or host a Little Green Bookshelf, are asked to call Statham at 604.485.2132 or 604.414.8186 or send an email to [email protected].
