Washoe County Library Seeks Community Support for Early Literacy

by | Dec 9, 2023

For the fifth year, Washoe County Library is launching the Give the Gift of Reading campaign in support of children’s literacy. From December 1, 2023, through January 31, 2024, and in conjunction with the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative, the library hopes to raise $20,000, enough to purchase 1,000 new children’s books for the libraries’ collections. Your commitment to sponsor at least one book will help prepare children in our community for an early start in reading and learning. We hope that you will be able to join Washoe County Library in supporting this initiative.

Research shows that the most reliable predictor of school success is being read to during early childhood. Reading to children from an early age can help prepare children to enter kindergarten with the skills necessary for success. Most importantly, sharing books with children promotes a lifelong love of books and reading.

“Washoe County Library is dedicated to helping children succeed by providing a variety of early literacy opportunities for parents and young children,” Library Director Jeff Scott said. “Through the generosity of the community and the support of the Friends of Washoe County Library nonprofit, we have been able to strengthen our collection of early literacy materials, helping to ensure that the children of our community begin their school careers ready to read and learn.”

Supporting the initiative is easy. A tax-deductible donation of $20 will sponsor one new children’s book that will be enjoyed by 100 children in our community. Of course, any donation amount is welcome and greatly appreciated.

Donations can be made online through the Friends of Washoe County Library, or in person at any Washoe County Library location. Make checks payable to Washoe County Library System. Please send to P.O. Box 2151, Reno, NV 89505, and write “Give the Gift of Reading” in the memo section.

For more information regarding the Give the Gift of Reading campaign, please visit washoecountylibrary.us/kidsbooks or contact Jamie Hemingway, Development Officer, at jhemingway@washoecounty.gov or 775-327-8360.