The familiar world we once knew has come tumbling down—replaced by the fear and uncertainty of a rapidly spreading and potentially lethal virus. People are “sheltering in place,” as if this were a live shooter drill in school. Only it isn’t. It’s real and the killer is unseen.
No one is in school. The buildings are closed as are public libraries, museums, and parks. Kids are home. Restless. Anxious. Playing mind-numbing video games over and over like bored tigers pacing their cages.
Kids tune into their not-so-smart phones, computer screens, and the unfiltered cacophony of television. Our young people face the constant assault of the current dystopian narrative: stuff is bad now, it’s going to get worse, everything you know and love is going to be taken from you.
We need to change this narrative from one of despair to one of hope. We need our stories. Our books. The brilliant author Madeleine L’Engle captures it so perfectly:
A book, too, can be a star, a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe.
Kids Need Books is determined, now more than ever, to connect underserved families with free books: board books, picture books, leveled readers, middle grade novels, young adult literature, and good reading for adults. Inspiring books. Stories that will be our stars. Living fires lightening the darkness of our current crisis.
We will figure out how to make this work. How to get back into the book distribution business while adhering to the protocols of safety and social distancing.
In the meantime there are signs of hope in our community. Yesterday the Bellingham School District started handing out free breakfast and lunches at multiple locations. Today the Bellingham Food Bank begins a new drive-up food box distribution service.
There is light in the darkness. It will only get brighter.
Kids Need Books runs on donations and is part of the non-profit Interfaith Coalition. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation.
Just think what your work these past few years has meant to kids who are Now shut in. Their imaginations are freed!
Yes! Thanks for your support, Laura.
Books have always been a way to escape and now, as you say, are needed more than ever.
Here’s to brightness.
Thanks, Joe.
Margie, thanks for your continued support.
Have just begun to read these lyric, finely scribed posts and thought: Well, I have friends, and then I have friends with such great souls, I want everyone I know to know them. Joe Nolting is of those, teaching by example truths like, “allowing the world to break your heart mysteriously enlarges and enriches your own capacity to love–in the process suffering, yes, but also joy!
Rody, thanks for your kind words. I look forward to the day you can help me hand out books in Deming or Lynden or Bellingham.
Joe, we have worked together through donations from Assistance League Bellingham. You are a wonderful example of getting out there where the need is. They are hoping someone will see them…and caring enough to show them they are not forgotten. You have enabled so many to help make a difference through your mission. Having had the opportunity of joining you for one delivery, I still get goosebumps remembering the faces of grateful parents and children. I look forward to the program starting up again.
Christy, thank you for all that you and the good folks at the Assistance League of Bellingham have done for Kids Need Books. We are all ready to get back in the saddle soon.
Hi Joe, it’s Linda from CTK and Alderwood. I just wanted to touch base and let you know that you, your wife, and Ben are still in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that Ben is doing better and has made or is making a full recovery. I also hope that you all are staying safe from this horrible Covid-19. I appreciate the kindness and generosity that you have shared with so many of us and know that it comes from your wonderful heart of hearts. I hope we can all get back to normal on Tuesday and Wednesday nights again soon. I hope to hear how you and your family are doing when you find time to respond. Please take care and stay safe. Thanks so much. Linda.