DPS embarks on effort to gather books for elementary students
April 27, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Mary Gray Leonard, Director of Media Services, 560-3704
DPS embarks on effort to gather books for elementary students
DURHAM – Durham Public Schools is initiating a new effort to offer opportunities for students, businesses and other groups to contribute new and gently used books to children in kindergarten through fifth grade. “Leave Your Mark…BookMark” will offer various ways for books to be given to DPS for students who may not have reading materials in the home.
It is especially important for students to have books at home that they can read during the summer when school media centers are closed. DPS also is partnering with the Durham County Public Library to encourage parents and students to take advantage of the many services offered by Durham’s libraries.
Through the Leave Your Mark…BookMark project there are several convenient ways to purchase books that will be given to students. Gently used children’s books also will be accepted.
DPS has a local partner, The Regulator Bookshop that will offer 20 percent discounts to anyone buying a book for a child through the BookMark effort. Go to www.regulatorbookshop.com and look for the BookMark logo or visit the store at 720 Ninth Street in Durham. The Regulator will hold your book for DPS.
Purchases also can be made through a Durham Public Schools Wishlist on Amazon.com Simply click on “Gifts and Wishlists” and enter Durham Public Schools. A list of books that can be purchased for DPS students is on the site.
New or gently used children’s books also can be dropped off at the following locations:
- DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road
- DPS Central Services, 511 Cleveland Street
- DPS School Media Centers
A special effort is under way to encourage students who are graduating in June to bring a new or gently used book to a graduation activity or to their school media center. High schools also are involved in this effort.
“What better way to instill in a young child the value of reading than by giving him or her a book of their very own?” said Mary Gray Leonard, DPS Director of Media Services. “This is a fantastic way for our graduating seniors to leave a legacy, and for the entire community to play a part in helping to reiterate the importance of reading among our youngest students.”
For more information about the BookMark project, please see www.dpsnc.net/BookMarkproject or contact your school media coordinator.
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