inside the pages of a book!
Let’s encourage and enable some children to “get lost” in the pages of exciting adventures, explore countries they may “visit,” discover hobbies they’ve never considered, and/or develop relationships with pen pals who might share interests. These are just a few of the ways in which life can blossom when children have access to a wealth of books! Through project Booknet, we can make life brighter and broader for children in some of the schools of southwest Virginia.
Booknet is one of the ministries of Roanoke Valley Baptists to schools in southwest Virginia. The goal is to collect new and gently used books from all sources: libraries; churches; schools; Moms and grandmothers clearing out bookshelves, toy chests, and/or attics; folks scouring tables and boxes at yard sales; and individuals choosing to purchase new books. Once the books are donated, a group gathers regularly to assess the conditions of the books and designate reading levels. When this evaluation process is complete, a group of volunteers travels to southwest Virginia to distribute 6,000 to 7,000 books to 12 schools in four counties.
Imagine the excitement as every child in each school browses the selections, chooses three books, adds a Bible or a book of Bible stories as a fourth book if he or she chooses, and goes home with a health kit containing such items as shampoo and a toothbrush.
Those who participate in the delivery process say that each day ends in shared blessings…blessings to those who receive the books…blessings to those who deliver the treasures!
Our week of emphasis for Booknet here at Rosalind Hills for 2020 is October 18-24. Throughout this week, begin to scour your bookshelves, attics, storage closets, garages, basements, and any other places where you might discover children’s books that are no longer needed by anyone in your household. Contact others who may be sources of children’s books. Be creative as you search for other sources of books to add to our donations.
Let’s do all we can to pour joy and adventure through reading into the lives of the children in these 12 schools of southwest Virginia!