The Libri Foundation Information

The Libri Foundation was established in 1989 for the sole purpose of helping rural libraries acquire new, quality, hardcover children's books they could not otherwise afford to buy. Since October 1990, the Foundation has donated over $7 million worth of new children's books to more than 3,300 libraries in all 50 states. The Foundation supports the concept that children who learn to enjoy reading at an early age continue to read throughout their lives. In order to develop a love of reading, children must have access to books which stretch their imaginations, touch their emotions, expand their horizons. For many children in rural areas, the local public library is often their primary source of reading material. Many rural schools either have no library or the library is inadequate to meet the needs of the students. At a time when more and more children and their parents and teachers are using the public library, these same libraries are facing increasing financial hardships and are unable to buy the books their young readers need. The books donated through the BOOKS FOR CHILDREN program are used for storytelling; toddler, preschool, and after-school programs; summer reading programs; "book buddy" programs in which older children read to younger children; holiday programs; teacher check-out and curriculum support; early childhood development programs; school projects and to just provide children with a "good read."