Thanks to a generous donation from the Assistance League Books and Beyond program, the Irene Reither Elementary School library was able to purchase $800 worth of books! This is the second year the Assistance League has donated to the IRE library.
This year, IRE librarians Mikki Flaherty and Tawni Jones recognized a need to expand their selection of books in Spanish. Flaherty said they chose some of the most popular books and graphic novels that the students check out daily, and got copies of those in Spanish. Flaherty said they also noticed a great need for higher reading level chapter books for the older students.
“With so many Spanish speaking students and families, we wanted to expand that selection. We want to encourage a love of reading in all of our students, so having quality books for them to choose from is so important. We are so thrilled to be able to make these additions, and are so thankful to the Assistance League for their generous donation,” Flaherty said.
Books and Beyond is one of the philanthropic programs of the Assistance League of Bellingham. It was developed in 2021 by a member. Books and Beyond serves about 12 elementary schools in Whatcom County.