No Child Left Bookless
Northeast Harbor Library Fundraiser Seeks to Put Books in Every Local Child’s Hands
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by The Witham Family Hotels Charitable Fund.
NORTHEAST HARBOR—At the upcoming Scholastic Book Fair, every child will walk away with a book in hand—if the Northeast Harbor Library can reach its $1,800 fundraising goal.
“Nationwide, children's literacy is declining, with a growing number of kids reading below grade level. Literacy is an important life skill and a crucial foundation for learning and critical thinking. Connecting kids with books they enjoy is a core focus for libraries, and the book fair initiative really helps to deepen our engagement with kids to foster literacy and a lifelong love of reading,” said Amy Wisehart, director of the Northeast Harbor Library and president of the Maine Library Association.
For the last three years, the Northeast Harbor Library has raised money from local businesses and individuals each winter. That money provides free books to local children during the library’s annual Scholastic Book Fair.
“This began as a volunteer initiative in 2023, led by Bob Chaplin and Kelly Brown, and we raised $1,865 from 17 donors. Last year (2024) the library took on the fundraising and we raised $1,756 from 19 donors. This year we are hoping to raise $1,800,” Wiseart said.
That generosity makes sure each child attending gets to pick out and own a book just for themselves.
Book ownership for kids is important. According to Juniper Education, “Those children who have books at home are more likely to enjoy reading and have higher reading skills than those who do not. Yet, according to recent research by the National Literacy Trust, disadvantaged children are less likely than their peers to own books.”
The National Literacy Trust (UK based) found that kids who own books are (as opposed to kids who don’t):
“Six times more likely to read above the level expected for their age (22% vs 3.6%).
“Nearly three times more likely to enjoy reading (56.2% vs 18.4%).
“More than twice as likely to agree that reading is cool (42.5% vs 16.6%).”
Reading, the librarians would agree, is very cool and so is the joy of the book fair. Wiseart said she was a voracious reader as a child and still is.
“What I love about books, for any age, is how much they expand your understanding of the world, people, and other perspectives,” she said.
The funding will enable each student from Mount Desert Elementary School to pick out one free book, and the library hopes to have enough funding to also support this for each child at Mount Desert Nursery School. Last year, 145 students received a free book.
“Children love the experience of picking out a book that they get to keep, and sales at the book fair support the library's ongoing children's programs,” Wiseart said. “We really look forward to hosting the Scholastic Book Fair at the library every year. Book fairs build excitement for kids about reading and books. The selection is well curated and there's something for all ages. Even reluctant readers will find books to get excited about.”
The book fair will be held the week of February 24. It will be open to the public during after school hours each day, 3:15 - 5:00. There will be books available for purchase for all ages.
“Book fairs are exciting for kids, and we want to ensure that every child can receive a book regardless of means. Choosing a book they get to keep is powerful for kids - it builds investment in reading, and giving them their choice of books is very empowering. It's thrilling to see the delight on kids' faces when they enter the book fair room!” Wiseart said.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
The Northeast Harbor Library partners with Scholastic each year to provide a book to every Mount Desert Elementary School and Nursery School student from the Scholastic Book Fair. We are happy to announce that the next Scholastic Book Fair will run from February 24th – 28th, 2025. Your gifts to this beloved event have continued to support children’s literacy in our community, fostering a love of learning
and a sense of wellbeing for each and every child. You can support the book fair by clicking the link below.
Support the Scholastic Book Fair here.
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