Hello Friends of Family Reading Partnership!
We have not sent out an update in a while, and we thought you might like to know what has been going on in our neck of the woods during this time of social distancing.
While a few of our regular programs have been forced on hiatus, we are still able to provide services to the community. With libraries and schools closed, books are in even shorter supply for local families. Reading is a wonderful way for children and adults to unwind, de-stress, cope, and bond—things we all really need right now! We have been working with schoolteachers and liaisons, food pantries, Head Start, and medical providers to continue the flow of books to families. Our methods have shifted, but our purpose and drive have not.
We need your help! Because our office has been largely closed, we have not been collecting book donations since early March. And that means that the supply is dwindling. To encourage donations, we are opening for “book donation hours” at our office in Danby. Every Wednesday from 11am-2pm our office will be “open” to receive donations of gently-used children’s books. This will be a no-contact drop-off, you will not even need to talk with a staff member! Specific instructions for how to donate can be found below.
We hope that you and yours are well, staying safe, and doing plenty of reading!
With Gratitude,
The Family Reading Partnership Team
How can I donate books?
1) Box up your gently used children’s books. Please include a slip of paper with your name, address, and phone number so that we can send you a tax receipt, either inside or taped to the outside or the box. Books should be appropriate for age 5 and under and be in good condition—please do not give books for adults or chapter books.
2) Come to 54 Gunderman Road’s side entrance (follow the signs for Family Reading Partnership, you can back right up to our door) on any Wednesday between 11am and 2pm. (Full address: 54 Gunderman Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850). If you are not able to come during that timeframe please give us a call and we will schedule a more convenient time.
3) Unload your boxes and leave them by our door. If we are experiencing inclement weather, we will have the door propped open so you can leave them in our hallway.
4) If you need assistance unloading, please call our office at 607 277 8602 either before you come or when you arrive. A staff member will come unload the boxes from your trunk while you stay safely in your car!