Gently-Used Children's Books Laying Around? Donate Them Here!

Submitted by the Laguna Beach Unified School District:

The LBUSD School Readiness Program and the Children & Families Commission of Orange County’s  (CFCOC) and the Think Together Early Literacy Program, (TTELP) are helping preschool children discover the wonderful, magical world of reading by collecting gently used book donations for the Bee A Luv Book Drive which runs from February 1-February 14, 2013.

This is the third year School Readiness Early Readiness Program Facilitator Julie Olsen has coordinated the highly successful book drive. She remarks "Reading out loud helps a child get a good start at learning. It is the most important way for a child to learn the skills he or she needs for reading and writing. Children begin to understand written language when they hear adults read stories to them and see adults reading themselves. These early experiences with the spoken and written language set the stage for children to become successful readers and writers."

Director of Special Education and Student Services Irene White continues, “We all know reading to our kids is a good thing—but parents need to be familiar with the specific advantages toddlers or preschool-age children can receive by being exposed to the early and consistent reading.  As a parent, reading to your children is one of the most important things you can do to prepare them with a foundation for academic excellence.”

Developing a higher aptitude for learning, fostering an ability to concentrate, practicing basic speech skills and the mastery of language are just a few of the benefits for children.

Last year Ms. Olsen distributed 1,158 books. Every book collected will be cleaned, repaired and then distributed to Orange County families. LBUSD is providing the cleaning supplies and Laguna High School students are volunteering to help clean books.

Book drop off locations:

• School Readiness Office located in the Student Services Building (above the Laguna Beach High School pool), 625 Park Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA.
• El Morro Elementary School
• Top of the World Elementary School

In addition to Ms. Olsen, the LBUSD School Readiness team includes School Psychologist Grace Jones, School Readiness Nurse Kathleen Knott, Behavior Specialist Luisa Martinez, and Speech Pathologist Tracey Slater.

For more information about the book drive or other School Readiness programs, contact Ms. Olsen at jolsen@lbusd.org.