GIFT OF LITERACY

The Gift of Literacy is a program that provides one special book, personally selected by each first grader in schools of the Bend-La Pine School District. Partnering with the Deschutes Public Library, Rotarians provided a selection of nine books to every first grade classroom teacher.

Teachers read the books over several weeks and then students chose their personal favorite. Rotarians then purchase that book for the first grade student and present it to them with a book bag to take home and keep forever. 

“These first grade teachers loved the quality of the new book subjects and the kids were ecstatic to own their very own, hard-back story book, some for the very first time,” explained Cindi O’Neil, a Rotarian in Central Oregon.  

Statistics show that when children own 17 books in their home, they will likely become life-long readers. Rotarians found a need and took action. Sunriver- La Pine Rotary Club supports three schools in South Deschutes County with a book for every first grader.