Well…maybe a few minutes   But here’s what you really need to know.

What is this? An effort to collect a whole LOT of books

What kind of books? ANY kind – cookbook, novel, fiction, non-fiction, textbook etc.  For adults or children

So what’s all this fundraising about? To buy books for children.  This is a zero budget project – all money collected buys books for children

Why is the book drive buying books for children? Because there are not enough in Jamaica and the children need them for their development

Do people HAVE to donate children’s books?  ABSOLUTELY NOT.  Any kind of book will do.  We need numbers and there are not enough children’s books in Jamaica to even match 242,624

Who is collecting? Until April 30th, drop off points are project partners across the country.  http://rotaryracetoliteracy.org/drop-off-points/

So what is May 1-May 7? Collected books are donated to Rotary.  http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/convention08_bookdrive.aspx

And what is Rotary doing with these books? Giving them to the Jamaica  Library Service.  Some will go to Haiti, as appropriate

Why the library?

• The library is the best custodian of the books for the long term.
• The library has its own reading programs.
• The library is accessible to all people on a daily basis.
• Service clubs can always organize literacy programs around the books once the books are there
• The library has the broadest reach – 558 public library service points. In addition to  the 22 areas of service to  special needs clientele in hospitals, children’s homes, penal and correctional institutions, specialized service is offered to the visually impaired and persons identified as affected by autism.  The School Library Network serves  927 school libraries”

Can you donate to Jamaica alone? YES – just let us know

Can you donate to Haiti alone? YES – just let us know

Why participate?

• Be a part of history – this has never been done before
• Make a real difference- these books are needed just for the target beneficiaries but to build a more stable society
• It’s easy to do and fun!

Come to our events this weekend!  http://rotaryracetoliteracy.org/2010/03/02/come-to-our-events-this-weekend/