(Gananoque, ON June 20, 2024) June 17-19 brought three busy, happy, and fulfilling days to the Gananoque Book Drive (GBD) as they visited Thousand Islands Elementary School (TIES), Linklater Public School and St. Catholic School to distribute hundreds of free books to encourage literacy.

“We started 34 years ago in 1990,” said Julie Price. Head of the drive committee. “The U.N. had designated 1990 as International Literacy Year and a local chapter of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority decided to commemorate the event by donating brand new books to the Toy Drive.”

The sorority and Toy Drive moved on to other things but the need for the GBD remained.

“The project grew to encompass the elementary schools within the Gananoque family of schools – Linklater, TIES and St. Joseph,” said Price. “In 2002, The Gananoque Book Drive became the driving force behind the project with a board of directors from the Gananoque/Lansdowne community. We have been a registered charity since 1998 and can issue receipts for donations.”

Covid was hard on everyone and the GBD had to stop distributions for June 2020-2022, but they stayed positive.

” Even when the schools re-opened, there were restrictions on the numbers of students that could gather together, restrictions on the number of visitors and the continued risk of exposure, particularly to our volunteers, most of whom are retired and in an age-bracket deemed more vulnerable,” she said. “We have not sent out fund-raising letters since 2019.”

Even with restrictions they got back on track in 2023 and are going strong. The program targets elementary schools in the area, and over 800 students each receive a free book that they can keep and read again and again, or trade back and forth amongst themselves.

“We have books for all interests at various reading levels,” said Price. “We have picture books and early chapter books for the primary grades. We have non-fiction books, French books, drawing books and more chapter books for the juniors and intermediates. We sometimes have graphic novels, but they tend to be a bit more expensive, so we usually only have a few. We try to stretch our donation dollars as far as we can. Buying through Scholastic Books helps us get the most books while still maintaining quality although we also buy from other sources if we see a good bargain. Often the children suggest titles, authors or themes and we try to find books based on their recommendations.

“We have partnered with over 70 sponsors totalling nearly $50,000 since 1998 when we obtained Charity status. Even more if you add in the 8 years before. They range from one-of sponsors (golf tournaments and McHappy Day) to regular contributors, including Service Clubs, parent councils, local businesses and churches. Anyone interested in promoting literacy in our youth is welcome to contribute.”

Seven core board members and about a dozen volunteers make the event come together every June. GBD is dedicated to strong literacy skills in local youth and seeing a positive change in society in general.

“We are aware that while Canada is considered among the literate nations, functional literacy is an issue,” said Price. “Independent surveys and studies suggest many Canadians have difficulty meeting the challenges of today’s world when reading forms, schedules, instructions and other day to day tasks.

“Promoting literacy as a fundamental skill which enhances quality of life, the Book Drive believes that a love of reading will help our youth grow into productive and fulfilled adults.”

To learn more or get involved contact the 2023-2024 chair, Julie Price, at 613-382-4304.