Books get a second chance to impact young readers thanks to SMART Reading's Book Bank.
Inside SELCO’s headquarters, tables are lined up with bright picture books, soft cloths, and team members focused on giving hundreds of books a new life. The room feels lighter than usual. Conversations flow, stories are shared, and every now and then someone proudly holds up a freshly cleaned book that’s ready to head back into the hands of a child.
The refurbishing sessions featured in the video—and mirrored in our branches across Oregon through our SMART Reading volunteer sessions—are part of SMART Reading’s Children’s Book Bank, a statewide effort to provide free, high-quality books to kids who need them most. During each session, volunteers sort used books, repair the books, wipe covers, check pages, and prepare them for a new home.
SMART Reading’s mission is to spark joy and opportunity through the magic of a shared book. Through one-on-one reading sessions, book giveaways, and partnerships with local organizations, SMART Reading reaches more than 30,000 kids annually across Oregon.
“That’s the heart of SMART Reading,” said Lori McNichols, Area Director for Lane, Benton, and Linn counties, explains. Through this program, kids can simultaneously gain access to free books and fall in love with reading.
McNichols is grateful that SMART Reading and SELCO have collaborated over the years to help the children they serve around the state.
For many of the SELCO team members volunteering, the experience is personal. One team member mentioned how “Elmo” books brought back memories of her reading those same books to her young children. Countless stories like this could be heard throughout these refurbishing sessions. Books mean a lot because they can trigger fond memories.
Through volunteer time, teamwork, and a shared commitment to kids, we continue to support SMART Reading’s mission. As each book heads out the door, that mission continues to grow, one child and story at a time.
Published April 22, 2024
