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Raising Readers with Rotary is a literacy outreach project that aims to get books into homes of children at a local Title 1 school, in order to promote a love of reading and improved academic success for low income students. Research shows a strong correlation between the number of books in the home and family literacy, as well as academic success. The Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club collects new and gently used children's books on a constant basis in order to hold a Raising Readers with Rotary book fair twice a year. The books are divided into 4 categories: Picture Books, Easy Chapter Books, Chapter Books, and Spanish (language) Books. Club members sort the books and then set them up on tables in the all purpose room at the school the night before the event. A teacher coordinator reviews the selections for appropriate content and reading level placement. During the event, students arrive by grade level and they are greeted by one or more Rotarians dressed as characters from children's literature (i.e. Ms. Frizzle, The Man in the Yellow Hat, etc.) who tell them a bit about Rotary, the importance of reading, and the procedures. Students are also introduced to other Rotarians (not in costume) in attendance. The students are then free to peruse the books and to choose any two books to purchase for only 25 cents each. There are two very important factors here: choice and accountability. It is very important, especially for reluctant readers, that they be able to choose any book that appeals to them, providing intrinsic motivation for reading for pleasure. When students read for pleasure, they read more and across a wider variety of genres. Paying for the books, even a nominal fee like 25 cents per book, gives students a sense of accountability and empowerment. The experience is more meaningful than simply being given something for free. The 25 cent fee in no way provides a replacement cost for the books, but any monies collected are then available to invest in additional books. Rotarians circulate to help students find books, talk with them about their selections, show encouragement for reading, and help them to pay and get ready to return to their classrooms. Teachers are also permitted to choose between 5 and 10 books free of charge for use in their classroom libraries. Between groups, Rotarians reorganize the remaining books and replenish them, as necessary, so that students always have a good selection. On average, Raising Readers with Rotary "sells" 1500-1700 books during each event. Teachers tell us, sometimes with tears in their eyes, that children who had never really shown an interest in reading before become inspired when they are able to choose their own books to keep and share with family and friends. Several years ago, Raising Readers with Rotary was recognized on a district level as an outstanding educational program. Over the last two years, the cost of books, even the gently used variety, has almost doubled and we are looking for additional funds to replenish our supplies and sustain this very popular literacy outreach project.
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