Defiance College literacy project
includes children’s book drive

Defiance College’s Education Division is spearheading a month-long local literacy project to coincide with the National Education Association’s  Read Across America Day on March 3.

The focus of the project will be a children’s book donation drive to collect new or slightly-used books which will be distributed to local children and parents. Partners in the book drive are Defiance College’s Pilgrim Library, the Defiance Public Library, Biggby’s Coffee, Domino’s Pizza, and Northtowne Mall. Each partner will serve as a collection site for the books. The book drive will take place March 3-26.

In addition to the book collection drive, Defiance College will also sponsor a Family Fun Day with book readings, crafts and games facilitated by DC education students and Citizen and Bonner Leaders.

“The ability to read is one of the most fundamental skills we need for everyday living,” said Dr. Sandra Golden, assistant professor of education. “We use reading to learn, to gather information, and for pleasure and entertainment. As a community of educators, we need to promote the act of reading as a lifelong journey.”

Golden noted that the purpose of the book drive and family activities is to celebrate and endorse the value of reading. “One of the best gifts we can give to a child is a love for reading. Books donated from this community-wide drive will be given to families to start or build on an existing home library,” she said.

The NEA annually sponsors Read Across America. Approaching its tenth year, the project focuses the country’s attention on how important it is to motivate children to read in addition to helping them master basic skills. The nationwide celebration takes place each year on March 2, the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss whose use of rhyme makes his books an effective tool for teaching young children the basic skills they need to be successful.