Bridge of Books wants to know: Are you Hungry for books?
Posted in News & Events
WE ASK HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN NEWARK TO TELL US WHY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins and more!
Rumson, New Jersey May 2, 2012. Bridge of Books has enlisted the help of Teach for America to challenge high school students (grades 9-12) in Newark, New Jersey, to describe (1) why they want to read The Hunger Games; (2) what reading means to them; and (3) why books are important to them. Students must answer each question in five sentences or less. ALL entrants will win a copy of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and the top ten entries, as determined by a panel of judges recruited by Bridge of Books, will win all three books in the Hunger Game Series – The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mocking Jay, plus the book of their choice. Teach for America teachers in Newark are working with Bridge of Books to tell students about the contest and to collect written entries. Entries will be submitted to Bridge of Books by May 23, 2012, and winners will be notified on June 15, 2012.
Bridge of Books created the contest as a way to further its mission of supporting literacy skills and encouraging a love of reading by distributing new and gently used books to under-privileged and at-risk youth. According to Abby Daly, Executive Director of Bridge of Books, “We are excited to kick off our first writing contest and to work with Teach for America to help us reach out to students in Newark. This is a chance to hear directly from high school kids what reading means to them. We are also grateful to our terrific panel of judges for volunteering their time to help select the winners.”
Meet the Judges
Tricia McCarthy – As a passionate supporter of literacy, a current nonprofit consultant, former attorney and founder of the original Bridge of Books in San Francisco, California, Ms. McCarthy understands the importance of books in the home of underprivileged youth. She is also a huge fan of The Hunger Games series.
Kyra Citron – The youngest member of our team, 14-year old Kyra spearheads The Charles LaFitte Foundation’s Kid’s Korner where kids have a say in how to make the world a better place. She loves reading and is an avid supporter of Bridge of Books.
Karen Rumage, Sharon Everett, Kim Robinson and Laurie Potter of River Road Books – River Road Books is an independent bookstore in Fair Haven, NJ dedicated to spreading the love of reading to children and adults in their community and a longtime supporter of Bridge of Books.
Lee Ann Murray – Managing Directory & Chief Information Officer for MetLife, Ms. Murray leads Global Investments Information Technology. Ms. Murray believes that Bridge of Books plays a critical role in helping to strengthen our country’s most important asset — its children.
Mary Kotch – As Chief Architect for MetLife Investments IT, Ms. Kotch is responsible for establishing the technology vision and leading all aspects of infrastructure development. As an advocate for lifelong learning and an adjunct professor for over 15 years, she is honored to be involved in such a worthwhile cause.
Lisa Barile – Stakeholder Outreach Specialist, PSEG Power LLC. As a lifelong reader, Ms. Barile knows that books have made her a more critical and creative thinker. She is thrilled to be part of a contest that inspires those same skills in today’s students.
ABOUT BRIDGE OF BOOKS
Bridge of Books is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization. Our mission is to provide an ongoing source of gently used and new books to underprivileged and at-risk children throughout New Jersey in order to support literacy skills and to encourage a love of reading.
ABOUT TEACH FOR AMERICA
Teach For America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit growing the movement of leaders who work to ensure that kids growing up in poverty get an excellent education.
“MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOR”
-Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games
Bridge of Books celebrates Read Across America All across New Jersey!
The foundation donated nearly 20,000 books to at-risk kids across New Jersey in the span of one week for Dr. Seuss’ Birthday
Red Bank, NJ – March 2, 2012
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A pre-school student proudly displays one of his new books!
This year The Bridge of Books Foundation (“BoB”) commemorated Dr. Seuss’ birthday and Read Across America by donating nearly 20,000 books to at-risk children throughout New Jersey. Bob also carried on a yearly tradition of recruiting over 40 volunteers to read to students in the pre-k through 4th grades in the Keansburg School District and, new this year, in six Head Start Centers across Monmouth County.
The National Education Association’s Read Across America campaign targets March 2 – Dr. Seuss’ birthday – as a jumping off point for two weeks of literacy events and awareness. While the aim of Read Across America is to inspire all of us to read, read, read; it takes more than Green Eggs and Ham to get everyone reading. In order to read, children need to have ongoing access to books. In today’s economy and with the number of children living in poverty on the rise, there are many underserved children throughout New Jersey who have no such access and, consequently, are falling behind in developing appropriate grade level reading skills. This is where the Bridge of Books Foundation comes in. Operating as an all-volunteer non-profit organization in New Jersey since 2003, BoB has donated over a quarter of a million books to more than 100 agencies across New Jersey serving at-risk children. Adding in the donations made over the past week, this number is now closer to 300,000. Whether at home or at school, the Bridge of Books Foundation is there to help our children experience the benefits of literacy.
BoB has been organizing volunteer readers for Keansburg students for the past four years. Many of these volunteers return again each year to spend a morning reading with the students. Diana Coleman Grover, Navesink, returned for her third year. When asked about her experience, she stated “It’s something I look forward to every year! The children were so excited during the readings…you could literally see their eyes widen and brighten! Knowing their imaginations were at work while you lifted the words off the pages just shows the importance of making sure every child has the opportunity to enjoy books! An amazing experience once again!” Each student in the pre-k through 4th grades will have the opportunity to select 2-3 books to take home.
This year, BoB expanded its efforts to recruit volunteer readers for six Acelero Head Start Centers in Monmouth County. BoB arranged for volunteers to read to nearly 500 pre-k students in Keyport, Neptune, Howell, Red Bank, Asbury and Freehold. In addition to providing each student with two books, BoB was also thrilled to be able to purchase enough copies of It’s a Little Book by Lane Smith to send one home with each student. Bob was able to make thus purchase because of a grant from The Charles Lafitte Foundation, created by Jeffrey and Suzanne Citron in 1999 to support innovative and effective ways of helping people help themselves. Kyra Citron, an 8th grade student at The Ranney School, was actually on hand at the Freehold Head Start. Along with her parents and eight classmates, she spent an afternoon reading stories to the children and giving them books to take home Kyra, who is an avid reader and fan of BoB’s mission was delighted to be part of this year’s Dr. Seuss celebration organized by Bridge of Books. Of the afternoon, she said “Books have gotten me through happy times and sad times. No matter what is going on in my life, books have always been one of my best friends. Every child should be able to read and every child deserves to know the joy and adventure of a good story!”
Of the nearly 20,000 books that were donated to at-risk children across New Jersey, 14,000 came as an overstock donation from North South Publishing at the initiation of Heather Lennon, the Company’s Director of Publishing. Ms. Lennon, who has been a fan of BoB’s mission, said “NorthSouth Books, an independent publisher of Children’s picture books based in New York, NY is delighted to support Bridge of Books. Their work is truly inspirational! NorthSouth Books is very proud to share some of their bestselling titles featuring the Rainbow Fish and the Little Polar Bear with underprivileged and at-risk children in New Jersey.” These 14,000 books arrived at BoB’s storage unit on a Tuesday and were completely distributed to by the following Thursday – a mere nine days later. As a direct result of the generosity of NorthSouth, BoB was able to coordinate the opportunity for 14,000 pre-school age children in seven separate counties to go home with a new book in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday this year.
Volunteer readers enjoy time with 1st grade students in Keansburg
Regarding BoB’s efforts this year in connection Dr. Seuss’ Birthday, Ms. Daly commented “As always, it is a great time of year and we are thrilled to have so many new and returning volunteer readers and to get so many books into the hands of so many kids in such a short period of time. Nine years later, I am still amazed at the level of need for children’s books in New Jersey such that we could turn around 14,000 books in nine days. What this says to me is that our mission remains vital and that children need access to books 365 days a year.”
Our 5th Annual Movie Fundraiser
Posted in News & Events
Rumson, NJ, January 24, 2012 – A special screening of Rio, the animated film, will be held at Clearview Cinemas in Red Bank on Saturday, February 25th to benefit children in need. Hosted by Bridge of Books, a non-profit organization that brings books to children who otherwise could not afford them or do not have access to them, this special event promises to be a good time for the entire family.
The fun-filled event will include free face painting, tattoos and goody bags, plus a ticket auction. The morning will culminate with a special screening of the Rio which tells the story of Blu, a domesticated blue macaw who is taken to Rio de Janeiro and falls in love with Jewel, a free-spirited macaw, and together they have to escape from being smuggled by Nigel, a mean cockatoo. Festivities begin at 9:15 a.m. and donations of new and gently used children’s books are welcome at the event.
Date: Saturday, February 25
Time: Doors open at 9:15 a.m. Film begins at 10 a.m.
Place: Clearview Cinemas, White Street in Red Bank
Advanced sales: $12.50 each OR 5 for $50 (every 5th ticket free)
At the door: $15.00 each OR 5 for $60 (every 5th ticket free)
Tickets are available only in advance: 1) at River Road Books in Fair Haven (759 River Road, Fair Haven); 2) by sending a check to “Bridge of Books” along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to P.O. Box 39, Rumson, NJ 07760; or 3) at www.bridgeofbooksfoundation.org.
The Bridge of Books Foundation was established in 2003 in New Jersey and is devoted to providing books to underprivileged and at-risk children, to support literacy and encourage a love of reading. The organization’s name is derived from the belief that a book, like a bridge, captures children’s imaginations, taking them to new places, and through literacy, to new heights.
According to Abigail Daly, Founder and Executive Director, “I incorporated the New Jersey chapter of Bridge of Books after the original San Francisio-based home office closed.” Ms. Daly, an attorney, had previously represented children and adults who were involuntarily committed to psychiatric hospitals, as well as advocating for children within the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services system. She later left the practice of law to be at home with her children. “Bridge of Books provided a perfect vehicle for me to remain involved with at-risk children while pursuing my love of reading and teaching my children about giving back to the community.”
Many low-income families struggle with difficult choices, balancing the costs of healthcare, food and rent. Children’s books, and the enrichment they provide, are often considered an unaffordable luxury. Yet, according to Abigail, “The literacy skills garnered from exposure to books is vital to a child’s future success and economic stability.”
About Bridge of Books
Bridge of Books was originally founded in 2000 in San Francisco, and later incorporated as a registered 501c3 public charity in Rumson, New Jersey. Bridge of Books, distributes books through an extensive network of more than 100 New Jersey agencies and organizations serving at-risk and underprivileged children like the New Jersey Youth Corps and New Jersey Reading Coaches. It is run on a volunteer basis and has distributed more than 260,000 books throughout the state and benefited thousands of children.
CONTACT:
Abigail Daly
Bridge of Books Foundation
P.O. Box 39
Rumson, NJ 07760
732-291-4755
dalyf@comcast.net
The People We Serve — Spotlight on: Tasia Hammond
Posted in News & Events
Tasia Hammond (right) and her mom Cleopatra Hammond at the Jersey Explorers Children's Museum in East Orange.
Tasia Hammond, a ninth grader at the Cicely Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts in East Orange, is a voracious reader. Her favorite is manga, Japanese adventure comics. She wants to be an animator when she graduates college.
Books have always been important to Tasia, the youngest of three. Her parents, both teachers, taught her to read when she was still a toddler and encouraged her get a library card when she was nine. But the first books the 14-year-old remembers actually owning came from Bridge of Books Foundation.
Tasia spotted a table of books on an after school visit to the Jersey Explorer Children’s Museum, across the street from her elementary school in East Orange.
“I said ‘are these books free?’” she laughed incredulously. “I took like seven books!”
The outgoing teenager returned almost every week, often bringing friends. She knocked on the door when it was closed. She had to explain to her mother how she acquired so many new volumes.
“She was like the Pied Piper of books,” Gary Patnosh, the energetic and teacherly co-director of the museum, said with evident pride.
Housed in a former library, the museum is designed and run by the NJ Youth Corps, a government-funded program that coaches at-risk people ages 16 to 25 to perform service projects. The NJ Youth Corps also helps with job training and education, among other things.
From left Jamir Giles, Joshad Vasaro and Isaiah Moore choose from an array of free books donated by Bridge of Books to the Jersey Explorer Children's Museum.
Visitors to the museum are funneled through a warren of rooms cleverly outfitted with actors, and period details to recreate an emotional moment from history. One is a church basement in Birmingham, Alabama during the civil rights struggle, which, visitors are told, is subsequently bombed. One is a hideout on the underground railway made pricklingly real with farming implements, actors dressed as runaway slaves and the yowls of tracking dogs in the distance.
The museum is also used as a venue for neighborhood events like First Friday, a monthly gathering for preteens.
Mr. Patnosh has received thousands of books from Bridge of Books over the past eight years. He displays them in the museum lobbies and encourages children to take them as they leave.
In return, volunteers from NJ Youth Corps help BoB by distributing books to community groups throughout the state.
Sahalii Isaac, Dijirare Young and Jalyn Bakers show of their new books donated by Bridge of Books to the Jersey Explorers Children's Museum in East Orange.
On one recent visit to the museum, Isaiah Moore, a bespectacled 12-year-old, seemed paralyzed by choice. He finally settled on a Star Wars novel, examining it minutely, then began to read it, still standing in the hallway.
“The books from here serve so many children throughout the community,” said East Orange Councilwoman Andrea McPhatter. “They really depend on them. When I tell you how far-reaching your efforts are, you’d really be surprised.”
Tasia explained what the program means to her:
“There are a lot of children whose parents can’t afford to get a book,” she said. “They are really missing out. Books to me are like a chance for a kid to go on an adventure. You just go to faraway places. But it’s not only imagination. It is knowledge.”
This article was written by Kirsty Sucato, a freelance writer and BoB volunteer. Photos are courtesy of Mary Ann Rounseville.
See What Governor Christie Says about Patty Aber & Bridge of Books!
Posted in News & Events
Letter from Governor Christie — click to enlarge
Patty received this letter from the NJ Governor’s office congratulating her on being nominated for the NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award! Don’t forget to vote for us and help us win the $100,000 prize.
If she wins, we will use this money to get many more books into the hands of New Jersey’s at-risk children and help foster the love of reading across the state!
Vote here http://www.nascar.com/award
(You can vote every 24 hours per email address.)
Books Are Magical; A Post by Bridge of Books Founder, Tricia McCarthy
Posted in Our Impact, Our Mission, Volunteer
Bridge of Books founder, Tricia McCarthy, is a huge advocate for getting books into the hands of kids. She has a blog called The Giving Chronicles and in her latest post, she says:
“People are always surprised to hear two things: (1) many children in this country do not have adequate access to books; and (2) kids are thrilled to receive a book. Both are true and really not all that surprising when you think about it.
When 1 in 6 children in our country are food insecure, do we really think those same children have adequate access to books? They don’t.
Why wouldn’t a child be thrilled to receive a book? Books are magical. They take you to places you’ve never been and allow your imagination to run wild.”
Read the rest of her wonderful post at the link below:
http://www.givingchronicles.blogspot.com/
And don’t forget to vote everyday until Dec. 1st for Patty Aber and Bridge of Books! Help us win $100,000 from the NASCAR Foundation to support at-risk kids in New Jersey and beyond.
Bridge of Books Volunteer Finalist for NASCAR Humanitarian Award
Posted in News & Events, Our Mission, Uncategorized, Volunteer
We are thrilled to announce that dedicated NASCAR fan and Bridge of Books volunteer, Patty Aber is a finalist for the NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. Patty has selected Bridge of Books as her charity of choice to receive the $100,000 monetary award if she wins. A vote for Patty is a vote for Bridge of Books and children’s literacy.
Help DRIVE children’s literacy and get us over the finish line by VOTING for Patty HERE!
Web-tastic News!
Posted in About Us, Get Involved, News & Events, Our Impact, Our Partners, Uncategorized, What We Do
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newly re-designed website. This launch is the culmination of a months long process during which time we focused on how best to accomplish our mission and how to grow as an organization. We think the rollout of our new vibrant and easy-to-navigate website is a giant step in the right direction.
Whether someone is looking to donate books, request books or volunteer, the site has been set up to provide all the information needed in a simple and straightforward manner. Looking to host a book drive? Just click on “Got Books” for step-by-step instructions. Looking to request books for your agency? Just click on “Need Books ?”and find out how to contact us. Visitors can also learn more about our impact, history and news & events. We especially like the joyful pictures of children reading, because that is what we are all about — getting books into the hands of children who need them.
Stay informed by adding us to your favorites, and please sign up for our mailing list. Vital for our growth, we can now accept financial donations online with a secure Pay Pal interface and your credit card of choice.
You can also “Like Us” on Facebook where we post our latest news regarding book donations and deliveries as well as events. We especially like to share stories of how our donated books are transforming lives around the state.
We are ever so grateful to web designer, Cornelia Mazzan (Mazzan Design Group, LLC of Fair Haven, New Jersey) who worked with us for many months to bring our vision to colorful life. You also may have noticed our new logo that Cornelia redesigned in keeping with the website’s eye-catching and streamlined look.
With the continued help of our supporters, the future of Bridge of Books looks as bright as our website.
Toy Story 3 Fundraiser a Great Success
Posted in News & Events
Buzz, Woodie, and all the characters from Toy Story 3 enchanted about 150 children at our fourth annual movie fundraiser held on February 26th at Clearview Cinemas in Red Bank. With the support of our premiere sponsor, Philip J. Bowers & Co., and River Road Books, which sold tickets, Bridge of Books raised over $1,800 while introducing many new friends to our mission. Special thanks to the Committee who helped plan this event, as well as the volunteers who helped to make the day so special for all!
