R.E.A.D.™ (Read, Educate, Achieve, Develop) is one of the several philanthropic programs supported our chapter. This program is in partnership with Salem-Keizer School District, and Salem Public Library. Literacy is one of the star points established by the National Assistance League. A child who reads, learns about their world and it has been proven they are also more successful as a student.

One of the major projects associated with R.E.A.D. was the Summer R.E.A.D. Program at Gubser School held on Thursdays through July 15th. Children needing to catch up or children of summer migrant workers were invited to attend. Jessica Marie, Salem Public Library, Children’s Education Program, drove the Bookmobile to the school. Children climbed on the bus and checked out books. If the books were returned the following week, either in person or to the bus, the child received summer rewards and prizes. The students also received information on how to acquire their own library card and learn of the many wonderful programs sponsored by the library. The bus provides an exciting adventure and they looked forward to Thursdays. This was a three week program provided by teachers who are qualified and in most cases bilingual. Assistance League provides volunteers to usher and direct children on and off the bus. We have bilingual volunteers which are very helpful.

The second major project, that we hope to reinstate now that Covid-19 does not require isolation of programs is Winter R.E.A.D. This program uses the Bookmobile to visit all elementary schools, plus some in the private or charter sector. The bus visits all first grade classrooms in the district, plus some first/second splits.  If the student reads the book(s) and returns them to the library in person they are presented with a special lanyard and pin by Jessica. This is an encouragement to return to the library and help parents see what is available for their child. Assistance League provides bus riders and assistants to help Jessica Marie with this project. Volunteers also return to the school to pick up the book bags left behind by some students.

Another project is in the planning stage, Book Bundles where teachers can request books and materials to be used in their classrooms. A box is filled with materials and delivered to the school by our volunteers. Materials are used in the classrooms for additional information on special topics taught. The box is then retrieved 6-8 weeks later by Assistance League volunteers and returned to the library.
This is the first time since 2019 that we have been able to resume the use of the bus and everyone is very excited. Opportunities to volunteer will be forthcoming and will be done online by the member, the librarian or the R.E.A.D. chairperson. The bus travels from the library to the schools, under the careful driving of Jessica Marie, the Director children’s programs. The calendar and days and times are designed by Jessica Marie