Forrestdale Book Club Creates a Library in Africa

The book club at the in Rumson collected books and raised money to help build a library in Africa.

Jamie Walsack is the 4th and 5th grade book club advisor and thought this project would be perfect for her students. "These students love to read, and so I thought it would be great if they could share their love of reading with other children," she said.

The book club joined forces with the African Library Project to build a library in Swaziland, Africa. The African Library Project coordinates book drives in the United States and partners with African schools and villages to start small libraries. The Forrestdale students collected books at the school throughout the year and then raised money for shipping. They shipped the books on March 10th.

"With the help of the Forrestdale and Deane-Porter staff and students, we collected over 1,300 books and over $600 to cover shipping costs," Walsack explained. 

As for collecting the books needed to start a library, the club tried to let everyone know about their project.  "At first, we spread the word through posters, fliers and broadcasts over the Forrestdale broadcast system," said Walsack about their advertising efforts.

Once they had the books they needed, they needed to raise money for shipping costs. "Parents and students put money in water jugs that I set up in Forrestdale and Deane-Porter Schools.  Fliers and annoucements were sent out to ask for help from the school community and they generously responded," said Walsack.

With lots of effort from the club members, the students quickly reached their collecting and fund raising goals. Then on March 10, they counted, sorted, boxed and shipped the books to their new home in Africa. 

Walsack added that their project is not only bringing the joy of reading to children across the world, but is environmentally friendly as well. "Our efforts were also very green. The donated books were gently used, and I reused our copy paper boxes," she added.

This project was one that will live on forever both in the hearts of those who participated and in the library that the Forrestdale students created.

Walsack knew this project would be a lasting memory for her students. "I wanted this year to be really meaningful for my club members," Walsack said. "I feel so proud of our accomplishment."