Friends of the Issaquah Library

Community Outreach

The Book Shelf Program's goal is to promote family reading, early literacy, and library participation by distributing appealing, appropriate books and library program information to families at the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank.  The Book Shelf Program distributed 2600 children’s books to Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank families during the 2009 --1000 more books than last year!

Food and Clothing Bank patrons are encouraged to select one book per child per week in order to build a "book shelf" at home.  They are also provided with information about library programs and services.  Books are organized by age group and language to help with selection.  Volunteers converse with people, help them feel comfortable, and encourage browsing.  Surveys and book requests help the program meet the needs and interests of its clients.

Ann Fletcher, Book Shelf Coordinator, orders and organizes the books, as well as trains and schedules volunteers.  An exceptionally dedicated team of volunteers made the program available nearly every day the Food Bank was open. Each week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings, Annette Traeger, Penny Lewis, and Carol Eggleston helped children find books. Anna Jurgens and her children, Ellen and Axel, encouraged book selection with families who came to the Food Bank every first and third Tuesday evening. Other volunteers who also helped at various times were Jayne Sievers, Kayte Gates, and Valerie Muirhead together with her daughter, Maddie Tiscarena. Volunteers have also been responsible for distributing over 70 Read Posters with photos of children holding their chosen book.

If you are interested in helping with this program or have new or gently used books to donate, please contact Ann Fletcher at 425-392-3571 or fletcherann@msn.com 

 

The Book Shelf Program