Just. One. Book.
I live in a town of 1200 people in the Northern Sierra Nevada –where it meets the Cascade Range near Mt. Lassen National Park and about two hours drive northwest of Reno, NV. Two hundred of that population is students. Over the years as the population dwindled after mills closed, then –nothing except tourism and retirement have emerged as ‘industries.’ Many businesses have closed down and with it many things we take for granted—like libraries.
The local junior/senior high school has not been able to purchase new books since the 90s. Some of the “check outs” for old books are in the 1970s-1980s. There are no books by people of color in the library. Hardly any books by women are in the few book cases except your standard Austen and Lee. It’s an uninviting place. There hasn’t been a librarian for nearly a decade. And volunteers weren’t allowed. The last eight years students couldn’t even check out books.
But all that is changing now.
Greenville Junior/Senior High School and Indian Valley Academy, which share the library space have new leadership which are welcoming the idea of revamping the library. Both principals want to see the area’s students supported and reading. Like most of rural America we have no budget for such things as books, film, music , and other media and arts.
I’ve lived here 13 years. I’ve watched kids succumb to despair. Our suicide and alcohol abuse is rampant as it is in many small rural communities. 75% of our county is beautiful national forest. 44% of jobs are government jobs—mostly forest service. There used to be mills but they closed down in the 90s. So much of that other 56% is underemployed and unemployed. It’s a beautiful place to live but it’s also a scary place for the mind to atrophy. We have a median income of under 30K. At the local elementary school 2/3 of students qualify for free lunch. Getting the picture?
What we’re good at:
Because we live in a forest we do have great resources about natural resource management, forestry, conservation. We have a number of environmental organizations that help with a good deal of education and hands on learning experiences related with the great outdoors. We also have organic farms and sustainable ranches. Yay! So there’s the silver lining.
What we’re lacking is pretty much everything else.
We need racially diverse books. We need graphic novels. We need women’s studies. We need science. We need series. We need film. We need comics. We need music. We need biographies of important people. Looking for Young Adult. Classics. We want zines! Contemporary. Poetry. Everything that would make a difference in a young person’s life. Writers send us YOUR BOOK. We have many non-readers who we’d love to turn on to reading. We need a way to take this tiny area and bring it into the 21st century. We have a whole bunch of kids who don’t like to read because all they’ve ever been given is things that are either dull , dated, or dumbed down.
The students who excel are doing so because they have supportive parents at home and access to books and tablets elsewhere. But most students are without.
So here’s what I’m asking. Will you donate a book? A real book. Something literary or fun—something that speaks to your truth, their truths. Something that teaches them something about the world. Makes them feel less alone?
I’m asking for you to send a new book or film or cd to us to help us build a library we can be proud of.
We want things that will make a difference and get kids wanting to read and wanting to create. We want to engage.
We also are getting students onboard to design their new space. Students are actively reimagining and recreating their library space.
So who is with us?
Send us one book.
GHS/Indian Valley Academy
Library Project Attn: Margaret Garcia
117 Grand Street Greenville, CA 95947
Thank you!
We now have an Amazon wish list up: Amazon Wish List
Throwing Chanclas 
Reblogged this on Mirymom's Blog and commented:
A worthy cause!
Thank you!
How do you feel about ancient greek plays like Madea? Would you accept those?
Yes! Love theatre. We have a wonderful tiny theater program.
While you’re at it…you can enroll the little ones (under 5) in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Children under 5 get a brand new book mailed to them every month. Dolly’s father couldn’t read or write, and this is a way to honor him and give back. http://usa.mobile.imaginationlibrary.com/
While this is a great idea, wouldn’t it be great to build a wish list on Amazon.com or other book seller? Then we could purchase a new book, cd, or other series product and not duplicate.
Not everyone sells on Amazon, and I’m sure they’ve thought this through. The benefits of giving are not just the action, but the surprise at what turns up.
Peggi Calley: GREAT idea! In fact, I think I’ve heard somewhere that Amazon will also donate books for good causes… and this sounds like it fits the bill!
I grew up in a small town in Nevada. I read a book a day. It was my escape and helped me learn about the world. One of my favorite books was and still is, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. I would love to send that book for your library. If you already have it, I’ll send another favorite. Yvonne Woodling
Would you make a wish list on Amazon or something similar as those requests come up from the teachers?
Do you have a wish list on Amazon?
WE had no idea about the Amazon wish list but are building one now! Should be ready by Monday. Thank you!
Zetta Elliott posted this on her Facebook. I’ll definitely pass it on, and if you need any suggestions for your wishlist, I’m a librarian who’d love to help!
Fantastic news, can’t wait to buy you something from your list 🙂
But in the meantime I might just have to post you one of my own favourites!! Good luck with your project xxx
Went ahead and am sending you the Graphic Novels “The Odyssey” by Gareth Hinds and “Seconds” by Bryan Lee O’Malley. Also shared your blog post. Much love and happy Friday from a fellow bibliophile!
Our tiny Montana town (pop. 300) found what I think is a smart way to provide a better quality library for both students and public:. The library is in a building next door to the k-12 school, and serves as both the school library and the public library, meaning we have one halfway decent library, rather than two poor ones, plus students have access to public library services, such as statewide interlibrary loan
Just tossing an idea out there. Good luck!
Our problem has been largely due to both a county budget crisis and a school district one. We have a branch library which is also effectively closed to students as the hours of operation are now during school hours (when I worked there it was open on Saturdays and one night a week —which was hugely popular with students). The collection in the branch just really isn’t appropriate or exciting reading for kids (think Jackie Collins, Danielle Steele and Louis L’Amour) and it’s on the other side of town–not an easy walk. What we do have now is two schools—one charter and one traditional public–sharing the same building which now doubles the number of students and made the possibility of re opening the library happen. We will never get a librarian back. It’s been ten years. So now parents and volunteers are taking things into their own hands to make a space for the library once again. Will it be perfect? No. But it will be ours and it will be used!
We do have an antiquated public which is not really open after school hours and no longer open on the weekends and is a good ways away from the school on the opposite end of town. It also has a good elementary collection but much less in the way of 7th through college. But hey! If you need some Danielle Steele or Louis L’Amour it’s the place to go.
We’d love to send books, but are in need of a veritable contribution tax receipt. Are you able to provide us one of these?
Yes. We can do that. Thank you. Direct it to Greenville High School/Indian Valley Academy. I believe Indian Valley Academy is setting up receipts on their letterhead for those that need it.
Watch out! I’m watching your post spread!! All good! 🙂
Will do my part to help this go viral. 🙂 I write romance novels which won’t be of help to you, but I’m happy to hit the bookstore and pick up some MG and YA to send. You’re doing a good thing here. Here’s hoping you have a library bursting with books before year’s end.
Reblogged this on Lisa Ricard Claro and commented:
I’ve never re-blogged a post before, but this is a worthy cause. This is about helping kids get their hands on books!
I was going to suggest the Amazon wish list but someone already did, so that is awesome. This is a great initiative. Please repost it when you get the Amazon wish list up. I will definitely be sending some books. Without them, I would certainly be less than I am and less than I will be. Everyone should have access to dreams — and a way to pursue them through hard work and determination. Thank you for doing this so those kids have those opportunities.
Okidoki then. Might send something from Amsterdam, the Netherlands. For the sheer reason that this is where I am. 🙂
Reblogged this on Ninja Thing/ks and commented:
A friend put me on this trail the other day and I think it’s a worthy cause. It’s not the only worthy cause around but it’s worthy all the same. The address is listed in the post. Good luck!
Are you looking for books for all grade levels, and are paperbacks okay?
7th through 12th grade. Our elementary school library is actually pretty well stocked and has a part time librarian. Another elementary school in the area closed down so the elementary now has those books as well.
Are ARCs or galleys okay? Or would you prefer the finished copies?
Two YA books heading your way, with gift receipts so you can exchange them if you already have them. Good luck!
This is an awesome initiative. For anyone who has Amazon prime, I’d highly recommend just ordering a book on Amazon, selecting your free shipping, and having it shipped right to the school! It’s probably the easiest, and most cost effective, way. And there are lots of incredible books on Amazon for less than $10; for less than a movie ticket you can impact potentially hundreds of students over years of reading!
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
AUTHORS – Can YOU help stock Greenville Junior/Senior High School and Indian Valley Academy Library?
Are you interested in “like new” books?
Yes, please!
This is great, thank you! I’m always looking for places in need I can send books; putting a few in the mail to you ASAP!
Reblogged this on newauthoronline and commented:
If you can help, please do so. Kind regards. Kevin
I helped start a new Elementary school years ago. We fid not have a library at all in the beginning and the good people at SCOLASTIC BOOKS were fabulous. That is what they do: Books for Kids! Contact them! Making theLibrary a whole community wide Library is a great idea too. Reading is for everyone.
Reblogged this on Wild and Woolly Wordsmithing and commented:
Boosting the signal… You’ll be getting a package from me…
I’m tweeting this out for more readers to see your post and donate a book. An Amazon wish list is a great idea.
Maybe you’ve done this already, but Reading Rockets lists sites of resources for free books: http://www.readingrockets.org/article/search-free-books The Kids Needs To Read site looks like a match for your library.
Reblogged this on Mom Read It and commented:
I”m giving this a boost and hoping anyone, everyone, can help this library out. One book at a time; that’s how libraries are built. Please help if you can.
I grew up in Quincy, and now work in the school of info at SJSU. Will drop some stuff off when I pass through in July. Is there a place I can during the summer? It’ll mostly be YA.
Email when you will be in town and I will arrange someone to pick up if I’m not around.
I’m an author who is also a book reviewer … and I run the “Little Library” for my office (a lending shelf). I have just pulled several appropriate titles from the Little Library, and have some others at home that i will send (including junior-high appropriate biographies of author Edith Wharton and ASPCA founder Henry Berg). I will get those boxed up and off to you in the next few days. Thank you for the opportunity to help.
Excellent! Thank you!
Reblogged this on Just read and commented:
This is a call out to all authors who so kindly read my blog but as a an update the will have a wish list on Amazon by Monday. I personally am a strong supporter of libraries since they were my escape as a child. Thank you to any and all who at least take the time to read the blog!!
I have the Divergent trilogy I can send, and another series that I can send.
This is beautiful and I will send something as soon as a wish list is up! I want to make sure I get titles that the students want and need!
I’ve shared your post with my teacher, librarian, and author friends. I’m hoping you’ll see lots of brown paper packages tied up with string in your mail soon!
Just sent you “Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen”
“An epic adventure that began with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt?
Isolated by Mexico’s deadly Copper Canyons, the blissful Tarahumara Indians have honed the ability to run hundreds of miles without rest or injury. In a riveting narrative, award-winning journalist and often-injured runner Christopher McDougall sets out to discover their secrets. In the process, he takes his readers from science labs at Harvard to the sun-baked valleys and freezing peaks across North America, where ever-growing numbers of ultra-runners are pushing their bodies to the limit, and, finally, to a climactic race in the Copper Canyons that pits America’s best ultra-runners against the tribe. McDougall’s incredible story will not only engage your mind but inspire your body when you realize that you, indeed all of us, were born to run.”
It changed my life.
Thank you!
If someone were to donate classroom sets of something, what would be a good number? Is that something you guys would need/want in addition to individual books?
Hold that thought! I would have to ask the teachers about that one.
I’m an author and I just sent my book “Dating Maggie.” Good luck on building your library book by book!
Thanks!
Do you mind recieving gently used books?
Not at all! Thank you!
Can I recommend Grassroots Books in REno? They have FREE BOOK DAY for all educators … and $5.00 a bag warehouse sales every month. This would be a great place for you to bulk up on books. I know it’s two hours away, but you could probably fill your car for less than $30.00 … 🙂 Also … there’s a school in Washington DC that, every year, has the kids make a wish list with Powell’s … and people buy directly with Powell’s and get the books to the school. (Like the Amazon Wish List) … And it’s a one-time-a-year drive which is great because there’s a lot of boom about it, and they get lots of books for authors … directly! Good luck!!!
Thanks for the tip!
I have written two books on High School life. Will be sending a copy of each tomorrow.
Thanks!
Reblogged this on Two on a Rant and commented:
Can you give a book to a worthy cause?
As a librarian, I commend your work, and I am happy to emphasize the importance of reading and access to current, diverse reading materials to help educate and expand the knowledge and life long learning skills of students of all ages. I have a couple of comments:
1) The Amazon wish list is a great idea.
When a library accepts donations of books, you can get a huge range of material, much of it inappropriate for your readers. (E.g., old textbooks and manuals, multiple copies of obscure non-fiction or fiction for specialists or different levels of readers, out of date technical manuals, copies in poor physical condition, etc.) It takes time and resources to sort through these types of donations, and dealing with inappropriate material (either discarding or worse, putting it on the shelves where it takes space and maintenance that could be used for other things) takes time away from more productive pursuits. (I realize your condition sounds dire, so in your case, having an open call for any donations might be a good way to start.)
However, if you have a specific wish list, you can maximize both your time as well as the quality of the small collection of books your students have access to.
You might want to look at the following lists compiled by professionals of excellent books for children and teens, including some lists focused on diverse authors/topics:
http://www.ala.org/alsc/booklists
http://www.booklistonline.com/GeneralInfo.aspx?id=46&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
2) Tablets are the way to go
In the long run, tablets could give students access to a vast, vast library of materials by all types of writers on all types of topics in one fell swoop. The Plumas County Library has an “Overdrive” account, which means they provide some access to ebooks. Even a small Overdrive selection would give students access to more books than a small physical library ever could. In addition, one can download a book from the county or school library’s account wherever there is wifi (e.g. at school) and read it offline elsewhere (on the bus, at a home without wifi, etc.) I know tablets aren’t cheap, but I live in a very poor area of California and many of our schools have somehow (grants?) afforded to issue tablets to students for the school year.
3) Get Help from a (future?) Professional
It might be worth contacting a university with a graduate library degree program. Helping you pull together a really quality wishlist (or identifying places to ask for donations for books or even tablets) sounds like a great student project for someone studying for a Master’s degree in Library Science/Information Studies. San Jose State University might be a good place to go, as they receive state funding from California (so helping populations like yours is appropriate) and they also online programs and students across the state and around the country (so maybe some in NorCal who could visit).
https://ischool.sjsu.edu/about/contact-sjsu-school-information
You could also contact Chico State’s School of Education, where future teachers are studying for certificates and graduate degrees. Their Service Learning program might be interested in helping out:
http://www.csuchico.edu/soe/
I am looking forward to seeing your wishlist. Good luck starting this project – any progress you make I’m sure will be much appreciated.
I love the Cal State Chico tie in! And I have good friends that did the SJSU program. We are setting up an Amazon wish list. Yes on the tablets however like I said above, the experience of being able to not know you were looking for something and have it catch your eye can’t be beat. I want students to have that experience. Also our Internet downloads like it’s 1999.
Physical books are always nice for browsing the shelves, discovering something new, and curling up with to read. Getting some new titles and diversity in the print book collection is definitely a worthy project. (One of the nice things about tablets is they can open up the entire world, which can provide another whole level of depth and range of information that is hard to match in a print collection.) Good luck!
This is a great cause. All children should have access to real books. Electronic mediums can’t compare.
Even though I’m the author of an ebook and many online publications–I concur. It’s hard to find the perfect thing for you online if you don’t know what you might be looking for.
Hi – would you take back issues of magazines? My daughter has a collection of National Geographic magazines, going back several years, that are in good condition. She would hate to throw them away – they are such treasures rich with information. We have been looking for a school interested in having them. Hopefully that’s you.
That we have a lot of! I think the whole ton does. They are beautiful but we will pass. Thanks for thinking of us.
A friend mentioned your project to me. I have a few spare copies of intro astronomy / science books, which I’ll send to you.
I thought I should check: Are you interested in having more young adult fiction?
The public library here in Mountain View periodically disperses their over-stock for sale, which tends to include a fair bit of young-adult-targeted novels. But it’s mostly of titles that have had lots of copies sold (e.g. the Divergent series), which is why there are extras. If that’s still something you’d like, I can arrange for some to be sent over as well.
And good luck!
-Michael W. Busch
-Research Scientist
-SETI Institute, Mountain View California
One of the issues I see up here (and this stems from teaching at the community college). That kids up here aren’t exposed to much in the way of contemporary literature. I used to ask students about poetry and they’d tell me they loved Edgar Allan Poe and hadn’t read anything that came after. Yikes! So poetry and literature especially late 20th century to now is great because often they have an idea that literature is dead. I might think that too if the most contemporary book I ever read was To Kill a Mocking Bird. Yay on science!
Okay. I’ll send out the science books tomorrow and see what the Mountain View Library has on over-stock.
I am going to share and I look forward to the Amazon Wishlist!!
Thanks!
Indian Valley holds my heart and my family. I worked at Coppercreek for 12 years. Sue Webber is a dear friend. I am a blogger and a school administrator in Canada, and I have been known to make things happen on social media… What else do you need? What else can we do? Just say the word. Your town has taken very good care of me and of people I love. I would be honoured to help however I can.
Hi Miss Night,
I’m so glad you know our tiny place in the universe. It is a very sweet town indeed (that’s why we stay). We will be posting a book list on Monday. We are trying to finance our makeover on the cheap (because basically we were told we could fix the space so long as we did it ourselves). I am also within the library trying to do a 2 desk/table music listening area. The band teacher tells me that he’d love to assign the students things they should be listening to for band but many don’t have access (especially to the classical or jazz he’s trying to get them to listen to). I’m on the search for a couple of good headphones. My husband will rig up some equipment (he’s the best at bringing home yardsale things and fixing them up).
Make a BIG list! (And don’t be afraid to dream big – you want tablets? MP3 Players? Kindle readers? Beanbag chairs for the kids to sit in and read? Add them!) The Coppercreek community is already mobilizing and sending books your way, with more to come. Our hearts are in Greenville even when our bodies are far away. xoxo
Miss Night, I’m going to email you directly to talk. Thanks! Looks like I’m getting a committee together for non-book items.
I will definitely send the school media to add to their library. I mainly read romances, but I may have a few biographies and other non-fiction to donate. I lived in my school libraries as well as the public library, so I’m happy to pay it forward.
THank you!
What kind of DVD”s do you want…movies based on books?
Reblogged this on granny reports blog and commented:
What a worthy cause! I can’t imagine not having books!
A fantastic idea. Wish you much success.:-)
I’m posting on Facebook and tagging my fellow author friends. Thanks for asking. I’ll be sending the three books I’ve authored so far, including two in the bilingual Captain Mamá series so they can dream of flying airplanes like Captain Mamá does. Girls in your community especially need role models.
Reblogged this on rebekahganiere and commented:
Getting our children reading is one of the best things we can do for them. As a mom of 2 beautifully creative daughters who love to read but have severe dyslexia, I know how important it is to feed children’s imaginations, give them hope, an escape and something to look forward to. If you can, please donate to this library so we can fill the lives of these children with wonder and happiness.