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Reader To Reader Book Drive Surpasses One Million Books! Amherst, MA – August 29, 2006 --Reader To Reader, Inc., a public charity that sends books to under resourced schools across the country, has shipped over 1,000,000 children’s books and textbooks to rebuild hurricane devastated schools in Louisiana and Mississippi. “I am so pleased to report that on this one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina that we have collected, sorted and shipped over one million books to rebuild library resources in Louisiana and Mississippi,” says David Mazor, Executive Director. “These books have not only benefited school libraries but have also gone to daycare center, public libraries, outreach literacy programs, and a host of other programs in need of books. These books have come from all over the country (with a special tip of the hat to the Springfield Kiwanis Club for their Herculean effort) and have truly meant that our nation (and Canada) have come together to respond to the unprecedented devastation wrought by this hurricane. Bravo to you, the book donors, for making this possible.” How are the books being received in the gulf states? "Books like these are absolutely a godsend," notes Linda Buford-Burks of the Mississippi School Boards Association. "The school districts will be able to get their libraries operational, and the children will have access to books of all kinds. It's exactly what they need.” The book drive is on going as it will take years to rebuild these school and classroom libraries, some of which were under ten feet of water. Those wishing to donate books that are in gently used or new condition can ship them to:
Hurricane Katrina Book Drive For more information call 413-256-8595 or email dmazor@readertoreader.org. Based on the campus of Amherst College, Reader To Reader is a public charity that brings free books, software and other literacy materials to under-resourced school libraries in the United States. The award-winning organization serves over 300 schools in 31 states by recycling used books that are in top condition so that they can find new homes in school libraries. They also supply new books and other learning materials to schools supplied by publishers and purchased with funds from private donations and grants. For Further Information Contact:
David Mazor |