South Sound Programs

THE LITERACY BOOK VAN

The Book Van program is part of SSRF's ongoing public awareness campaign to educate all families about the importance of reading with children daily. This program visits low-income housing units, schools, community events and rural areas to promote the read "20 Minutes A Day" message and  distribute free books to children. It also gives presentations and conducts discussion groups about the importance of reading to prematal classes, High School Family and consumer science classes, mom/parent groups and BHR Harvest program participants.

Focus age: Prenatal to 5, but we serve 6-18 as well. We distributed over 24,500 books in 2007-08, and made 187 visits.

BOOKER T. BEAR

SSRF has its own mascot, a big yellow bear named Booker "T" for "Twenty" minutes a day!  He is available for school assemblies as well as afterschool and community events upon request.

Note: Having your own high school staff or volunteers willing to be “Booker” is very helpful!

BOOKS FOR BABIES

Books for Babies gives board books, information on the importance of reading and its impact on infant brain development, and other literacy infromation to families leaving the hospital with their newborn. We partner up with Altrusa, Zonta, Timberland Regional Library and the Hands On Children's Museum to distribute our materials at Capital Medical Center, Mason Co. General, and Providence St. Peter Hospital.

Focus age: Birth to 3, we distribute approximately 1500 books annually.

BORN TO READ

Born to Read works with pediatricians, home health nurses and midwives to get a new board book and literacy/brain development brochures to parents at their baby's 6-month checkup.

Focus age: 6 mo to 3 year old children and their families. We distribute approximately 1500 books annually.

ADOPT A DAYCARE

South Sound Reading Foundation partners with ECEAP Head Start and childcare facilities to provide storytime activities, literacy info and presentations, and free books for children and parents. We have read aloud trainings and provide age and skill targeted literacy materials to childcare facilities.

READ WITH ME

SSRF partners with local businesses like Cabela's, Barnes and Noble and Top Foods to promote the read "20 minutes a day" message and provide free storytime activities .

LITERACY BOOKSHELVES

SSRF stocks bookshelves at various low-income serving agencies with free books and literacy materials promoting the read "20 minutes a day" message.

Focus age: Birth-5 but books are available for older kids  and young adults as well. We distribute over 3500 books each year.

CONNECT WITH ME

SSRF provides books and literacy materials to incarcerated parents so they can read with their children during family visits.  At the end of the visit, the child gets to keep the book.

Focus age: All children of incarcerated parents. Approximately 1500 books distributed annually.

LITERACY OUTREACH FOR AT-RISK YOUTH

SSRF partners with the Thurston County Food Bank, Homeless Backpack Inc., and local schools to get books into the hands of at-risk kids.

Focus age: All school aged at-risk youth. Approximately 1500 books are distributed annually.

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers help at Book Van distributions, Book Barn sorting parties, and read to children at childcare centers, bookstores and community events.  We enjoy the selfless spirit and dedication of every one of our volunteers and welcome you to join our wonderful team!