It’s been a year, hasn’t it? We’ve had some really good times and some shake-us-to-our-core times. Even if you aren’t personally impacted by the current economic downturn, you can’t help but feel its reach. Some of us more than others.
Yet, this is the season of giving (and, yes, tax deductions). Every year, we here at Booksquare make a pitch for our favorite causes, hoping some of you, like us, will find a little something extra to give this now and in the future. If you have a favorite cause that relates to literacy, reading, or education, let us know in the comments.
- ProLiteracy — As always, our list is topped by Proliteracy.org. You can contribute either financially or by volunteering as a literacy tutor. When you are a reader, a to-your-soul reader, it’s almost impossible to imagine a world where people can’t read. The reasons vary, and the solution is not simple. Helping others learn to read should be the primary goal of the publishing industry — any way we can.
- First Book — Just as teaching the world to read is important, getting books to children is essential. First Book gets books to children who need them. You remember your first book, you remember reading as a child. Help share that joy. Bonus! through December 31, your donation will be matched book-for-book by Random House.
- Donors Choose — The problem with growing up the child of a public school librarian is that you know how completed screwed up our public school financing priorities are. It is appalling that teachers and librarians are forced to finance so many projects (and supplies, essential supplies) out of their own pockets. It’s not like teachers make huge salaries. DonorsChoose.org was founded to bring educators together with people who have money to contribute to specific projects. Look at the list of projects — is there something you can help transform from wish to reality?
- Buy Books — You want to make a serious statement about your commitment to books? Buy everyone on your shopping list a book. Or two. Or three. No need to limit yourself. This isn’t going to turn the industry around, but, c’mon people who get free books, put some money back into the industry that’s been good to you.
3 responses so far ↓
Perry Brass // Dec 15, 2008 at 11:04 am
Some other ideas that would make 2009 a better year:
Support libraries, by donating books to libraries that need them. Many libraries have had their budgets cut to the quick. Some of these libraries are not even in public places, but are in churches, synagogues, hospitals, nursing homes, even homeless shelters.
Sponsor a book fair. Now that many bookstores are cutting back on public events, think about sponsoring a local book fair. I have taken part in several this year, including one in Astoria Queens at a Greek-American high school. I am now working with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Community Center on 13th Street in NY on the Rainbow Book Fair, March 28, which will be a book fair aimed at this rich market for books. We are inviting all presses and authors whose work is directed at this community to participate, with an emphasis on small presses and books published by people of color. It would be great to have other smaller book fairs that can be put on in schools, community centers, and other public venues.
Perry Brass, coordinator Rainbow Book Fair, author of Carnal Sacraments, A Historical Novel of the Future.
Stop Press for December 15th | booktwo.org // Dec 15, 2008 at 4:30 pm
[…] Most Wonderful Post of the Year: 2008 – Booksquare on what good deeds booklovers can do this Christmas. All US though – anyone got any UK suggestions? […]
Laurie Viera Rigler // Dec 16, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Thank you for these excellent suggestions, Kassia. I’m going to add these to my links page.