Elementary Students Enjoy Choosing From A Wide Selection Of Books

Since its founding about 20 years ago, Assistance League of Northern Virginia has recognized how critical reading proficiency is for a child’s academic achievement. Its Literacy for Kids Program, therefore, takes a two-track approach to help students develop strong reading comprehension skills. Assistance League provides one-on-one reading tutoring at several schools each week and also donates new books to students at selected schools. Twice this month, the nonprofit held book fairs that it calls Build-a-Child’s Library where every student selected a book on a topic that interested them. They also write their names in the book as ‘proof’ it is theirs to keep. These book fairs have a significant impact on children’s lives. One school administrator noted that many students do not have books in their homes.

At those two events, Assistance League delivered brand a new book and a bookmark to about 1,000 very appreciative students. Each event had magic moments for both the students and members, and each had one particularly memorable story. At one school, a first grader was so exuberant to select his very own book that he exclaimed it was his BEST DAY EVER! At the other school, a sixth-grade student, aptly named Angel, selected her book, Forget Me Nat, and wrote her name in the book. Afterwards, she asked Assistance League volunteers to sign her book also, so she would not forget them. That thoughtful gesture touched all our members in ways that won’t soon be forgotten.

The palpable joy and elation the students exhibited was infectious and made it a great day for Assistance League members. It was instant gratification – for the kids to have a new book and for the members to see that joy. Assistance League members sincerely hope that these new books will instill a love of reading and learning.