BookShare

BookShare is an outreach program that brings children’s picture books to young children in child care through their child care providers, and trains and inspires caregivers to share books and language activities in a developmentally appropriate, enthusiastic, and enjoyable way. Storytimes are presented by trained volunteers; the rotating book collections are delivered by volunteers.

Research shows that being read to from an early age is the single most important factor in helping children get ready to become readers.  Since 1996, it has been BookShare’s mission to help set the foundation of reading, and a love of books in young children; to provide their caregivers with reading resources and training; to encourage parents to read to their young children.  Since a large number of children under school age have working parents, and spend their weekdays in child care, services must be provided in those settings to reach these children.  By involving all of the important adults in the young child’s reading life, early literacy skills develop, love of books grows, and the child’s motivation to learn to read blossoms. 

In 2010, the BookShare program and its volunteers were honored as Partners in Education by the Northwest Regional Educational Service District, for work with Early Intervention and Beaverton's Woodside Early Childhood Center. Read an article about this recognition here!

Children's Outreach Collections

BookShare Children’s Outreach boxes bring a diverse collection of high quality children’s picture books and board books to babies, toddlers and preschoolers in child care centers, family child care homes, and local Head Start programs. Each box contains 50 children’s books which rotate monthly. Between July 2008 and June 2009, we delivered an average of 3136 books per month to 50 sites, serving 1764 children and 356 adults.

BookShare Storytimes

The BookShare program brings storytimes to children in family child care homes and Head Start programs.  Once a month for one year a trained volunteer presents storytime, giving children the opportunity to have an enriched book experience,  modeling for caregivers and inspiring them to continue sharing books in a similar manner, and sharing specific early literacy information with providers.

Eligibility

The BookShare program is available to childcare providers in our service area. This area is bordered by Springville Rd. on the north, SW 185th Ave. on the west, SW TV Highway on the south, and Highway 217, Barnes Rd., and Miller Rd. on the east. The northeast boundary of our service area is the Washington/Multnomah county line. Sites must be within Washington County. See below for map.

Contact Jody Westerman, Children’s Outreach Librarian at 503 644-0043 x 120.