The Central Valley Book Bank is looking for some help sorting out books by level. Retired teachers or others would be welcomed to help out. Contact the book bank to find out more about how to help at: http://www.cvbookbank.org
The vision of the Central Valley Book Bank (CVBB) is that every child in the Central Valley will have access to an adequate supply of age appropriate books to help them become proficient readers. As an all volunteer project of United Way of Fresno County, CVBB provides free children’s books to schools and nonprofit organizations servicing low income and disadvantaged populations. Our mission is to act as a resource for all types of programs in their efforts to develop a desire to read and improve reading skills while enhancing classroom and home libraries.
Recipients must be associated with a Title 1 school or other school that services primarily children from low income neighborhoods or a registered nonprofit organization whose purposes includes a desire to improve literacy among socially or economically disadvantaged youth. During our first year of operation, a total of 43,500 books were distributed to 19 schools and 24 nonprofit agencies. It is estimated that over 7,000 children will benefit from these books over the next several years.
Most of the books are collected through book drives conducted by students from the Fresno State. At any one time the type, quantity, or quality of books available varies, but we normally have a supply of the following types of books:
• Beginning Reader
• Picture
• Chapter (2-6 grades)
• Reference (Science, Nature)
• Social Studies
• PreK – K Level
• Spanish and bi-lingual
• Activity/Entertainment
• Character/Feelings/Values
Our free books are gently used or like new. They are appropriate for all types of lending libraries or to give to a child to build their own libraries. Some contain a book plate or label, which has been used to cover a name, inscription or other minor defect. We also have books that show some wear and may have a name or inscription that has not be covered. These books are very readable and are available, in quantity, to give away to children.