Members of our club joined with other Rotarians in Livermore to participate in the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore's Annual Gift of Reading project. Each of the 923 third graders in the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District received a new, hardcover literature novel thanks to the generosity of RFL.
This year, in partnership with Towne Center Books, RFL invited students to choose their favorite of three titles selected by 3rd grade teachers and the Elementary Library Specialists. In February, students came to their libraries to learn about the choices and selected either El Deafo, by Cece Bell, The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown, or Willodeen, by Katherine Applegate.
“Do we get our book today?” That question was heard in elementary school libraries throughout Livermore last month as third graders assembled to receive their own hardcover novel, as part of the “Gift of Reading” Project by the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore.
Recognizing that success in education is critically linked to success in reading, the RFL’s “Gift of Reading” project helps cultivate a love of reading among third graders in the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD). This year, in partnership with Towne Center Books, RFL invited students to choose their favorite of three titles selected by 3rd grade teachers and the Elementary Library Specialists. In February, students came to their libraries to learn about the choices and selected either El Deafo, by Cece Bell, The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown, or Willodeen, by Katherine Applegate.
With great anticipation, students received their books when Rotarians visited their school libraries in April. A third grade teacher from Arroyo Seco Elementary shared, “The books inspired the students to read willingly and voraciously. The shared experience of having the same book encouraged the reluctant readers to show interest in a way they don’t usually.”
Nathan Brumley, Assistant Director of the Livermore Library, told Rotarians that research has shown that students who are fluent readers by the end of third grade are prepared to succeed academically. On the other hand, students who struggle in reading at the end of third grade are set up to struggle academically. During primary years, students learn to read. Once they enter fourth grade, they read to learn. They need that strong foundation of reading skills in order to be successful learners of all subjects.
Rotarians from both the Livermore and Livermore Valley Clubs shared that this project is a highlight of their community support: “We are so proud to be a part of this great Rotary project. The smiles on the kids’ faces says it all.”
Funding for RFL programs is generated through community donations, Rotary fundraisers, successful investments by the Foundation, and distributions from the two local Rotary Clubs.