Kids Need Books is back! We’ve handed out more than 3000 books over the last four weeks at a time when local kids need books more than ever. Our distribution model is not the same—no pop-up food banks for now—but we are adapting to working safely during the pandemic: wearing masks, socially distancing, using hand sanitizer frequently, and minimizing touching of books.

KNB has delivered quality new books, (mostly non-fiction material for emerging readers), to local Bellingham teachers working at Title I summer schools for underserved populations. We’ve also partnered with the school district’s Lifeline Food network where we’ve connected kids with books at drive-through food pantries.
At another location—a large trailer park where more than 200 children live—I’ve accompanied volunteer teachers as they personally delivered food boxes to individual residences. Teachers then invited parents and kids to come outdoors to peruse the KNB book selection, by pointing to (but not touching) the books they wanted and I’d bag up their choices.

Finally, KNB has partnered during the summer fruit harvest season with the Agape Project (https://wwunewman.com/agape) in Lynden to serve migrant worker families. After families receive food boxes, they come over to the KNB book tables. Once again, we have kids and parents point to books they like and we prepare bags of reading material to go. Families are learning the new Kids Need Books’ shopping format of quickly “judging a book by its cover.” Last week we were able to serve more than 125 children and dozens of parents at Agape with over 650 books. (KNB extends its deepest gratitude to Agape volunteers who have helped as translators at the book tables.)
There may be a pandemic raging, but migrant pickers are laboring round the clock to bring in the raspberry crop—making sure all of us have access to food. They are essential workers. Kids Need Books believes it’s also essential to connect the children of these workers with quality books and a pathway to literacy. This morning we’re headed back to Lynden and the Agape Project with 1000 books. It’s time to mask up and get to work.
Kids Need Books runs on donations and is part of the non-profit Interfaith Coalition. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation.
I am not surprised to discover KNB is back in “business!”
Linda, thanks for your support.
Of course you found a way to get books to kids. Hooray for you.
I have some books for you and we are happy to help on site if you need it.
Margie, I am kind of making it up every day as I go along. I’ll be in touch to pick up books.
Such important work! I’m so happy to hear it continues.
Thanks, Marian.
Getting books into children’s hands — such wonderful work!
Amory, thanks for your kind words.
Joe,
We love that you are back doing this again. How can we volunteer for you important work?
I can give you some Shrinking the Worry Monster books.
Sally and Bill
Sally, I’ll keep you posted as volunteer opportunities open up. And thanks for the offer of some Shrinking the Worry Monster books.
What a great model of providing resources – books! – on the ground, in real time to underserved communities, especially front line workers whom we all rely on! Hat’s off to KNB!!
Ken, it’s always a privilege to get books out to kids in need. I have been so incredibly impressed with the ongoing volunteer efforts of local teachers. There are lots of rock star educators out there flying under the radar.
Where and when can I drop off books?