The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, the nation’s leading advocate for family literacy, announced its newest campaign: “Share the Love of Reading.”
This innovative effort encourages visitors to send a personalized card recommending their favorite books to family and friends through the www.helpthemread.org website.
“I’m going to share with my mom (former First Lady Barbara Bush), that I’m currently reading Cell by Robin Cook," said Doro Bush Koch, honorary chairman of the Barbara Bush Foundation. “I’m half-way through the book, and am glad I need the light on to read.”
The Pew Research Center reported last year that nearly a quarter of American adults had not read a single book in the past year, which includes paperbacks, online or audiobooks. To encourage reading, the Foundation designed a campaign to promote literacy as an important value that provides a fun way for teachers, parents and bibliophiles to share their love of reading. Individuals can share the books they love via a digital card or a postcard, both offered free through the website.
“Sharing the love of reading is something that we don’t always do, even though it may be one of our favorite activities,” said President and CEO Liza McFadden. “We hope everyone, including teachers and parents, will take this opportunity to share their love for a book. It’s a fun way to remind someone that you’re thinking of them, and we appreciate the opportunity to remind everyone about the importance of literacy.”
Here’s what others are saying about the Share the Love of Reading campaign:
“I have just finished reading I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb. This is a must-read book for ages sixth grade and beyond. In the story, we are reminded that one voice can make a difference, and we must not take for granted our education, as there are many who have no access to education.” – Michelle Staubach Grimes.
“There are two kinds of reading I love most. The first one is by far the greatest experience – and that is reading with my kids because we are able to experience the story together. The second involves reading non-fiction biographies that tell a story about someone’s adversity and how they overcome obstacles.” – Pamela Shriver, American former tennis professional and ESPN commentator.
“I keep a closet full of newly discovered books so I’m never empty-handed when the opportunity arises to learn and to share. As a teacher, parent, and grandparent, books have been the means to explore feelings, learn information, stimulate imagination, and understand the world. A love of reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give each new generation. The curiosity reading cultivates is essential to our forward momentum as a society.” – Barbara Cambridge, Interim Executive Director, National Council of Teachers of English.
“I’m currently reading two compelling books, Integrity by Henry Cloud and Zero to One by Peter Theil. These books share riveting insights that are relevant to anyone, and I’ve been sharing them with my family and closest friends. Most avid readers love to share books, so I’m thrilled to support the Share the Love of Reading campaign.” – Errol St. Clair Smith, Executive Director, Academy of Education Arts and Sciences.
“I would recommend My First Books by BabyFirst, which offer age appropriate digital books for children up to four years. This virtual library helps develop the love for reading at a very young age and is a fun activity for parents and children.” – Sharon Rechter, Co-Founder and Principal, BabyFirst.
Source: BarbaraBush.org
