With a busy spring semester behind us, we’re taking solace in the support we’ve provided to children experiencing uncertainty and trauma. From the urban wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County to fast-changing government policies impacting vulnerable communities, the Access Books team is working to provide a safe escape and relaxing environment for those who need it most.
“I read every book I’m given,” one student told us. “They are my favorite thing in the world.” Another student added: “I always feel calm in the library. It is my favorite spot.”
Our spring semester began with tragedy as fires raged in communities we serve alongside communities that frequently run book drives and volunteer with us. Once the smoke cleared and children were returning to school, the Access Books network was ready to provide refuge and escape. Our volunteers and donors (including staff at our donated warehouse and a group of NYC moms) helped us sort and distribute nearly 21,000 books to schools and families. While coordinating this, we kept our usual busy library refurbishment schedule.
During the spring semester, we refurbished eight school libraries across southern California — from East Los Angeles to Orange County. Most of the schools we serve have collections with books dating back to the 1980s. At many schools, the Access Books team assisted the library aide to weed the collection, discarding outdated titles and tattered books. Hundreds of volunteers assisted in painting murals, cataloging, and shelving books.
In addition, thanks to 50 hard-working volunteers, 6,603 books were distributed in curated bundles to nearly 2200 children. For many students we serve, these are the only books they will own.
In all, we provided nearly 81,000 books and served more than 10,000 students.
One of our most popular programs is author visits. We are fortunate to work with engaging, fun, and committed authors. At each visit, students receive at least one book written by the author. The excitement around author visits is school-wide. In the spring semester, we hosted nineteen author visits for nearly 1400 students.
The semester ended with an all-day event for approximately 400 Access Books-sponsored students at the YALLWEST book festival. “YALLWEST is the first time our students get to experience being totally surrounded by people as excited and enthusiastic about books as they are,” one librarian told us. “These are the kids that have deeply-held favorite authors, series, and genres. They relish the opportunity to talk about their favorites with other like-minded readers and are beyond thrilled to meet authors in person. What a joy to be able to bring them to YALLWEST and receive books to take home with them!”
Looking ahead…
Despite the tumult around us, our mission remains strong: educational equity and access to high quality books. Want to show your support? We have several volunteer opportunities on deck this summer:
Warehouse Book Sorting
Help us prepare for the fall semester by organizing brand new books into school library sets. You’ll get a sneak preview of all the amazing books we’re giving to students in underserved communities. Join us!
Compton School Libraries
We will be in Compton schools all summer Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to make a small change in our world. High school students may count volunteer hours toward the Congressional Award.
Thanks to all of our volunteers, donors, and dedicated staff. We couldn’t do it without you!
Finally, we want to say goodbye and big congrats to our high school senior volunteers — many of whom have volunteered with us since middle school!
- Dhilen Mistry will be a regent’s scholar at UC Berkeley.
Orlando Popkin is headed to Oberlin College to study and play soccer.
Lucy Row will be volunteering at a teen camp in Romania over the summer followed by a 3-month internship at a Human Rights NGO in Morocco. She will pursue double degrees in Law and International Relations in Australia later this year.
Ximena Morales will study art history at Loyola Marymount University
Sabine Sines will study marine biology at UCLA.
It takes a village to build a library!
