Book Cycle's mission involves "making it possible for young children to own books." Fourteen childcare sites have been selected to house their own collection of 100-200 books which consists of both fiction and non-fiction books in English and Spanish that can be traded. On average, 500 children participate per month and 1,600 books are given out each year.
HOW BOOK CYCLE WORKS
Volunteers purchase age-appropriate books and take them to the childcare and preschool centers participating in the Book Cycle program. The books are then organized and made available to the children.
When children enter the childcare program, they may select up to two books. Each child may take their books home for as long as they wish.
When the child wants a different book, they bring an "old" book back to school on their Book Cycle day and trade it for another book of their choice. The book exchange typically occurs once a week.
Staff or volunteers at the sites read the book to the child and talk with the child about the book, asking questions such as, "Why did that happen?" or "What does that picture tell us?" to improve reading comprehension.
VOLUNTEERING
Book Cycle is run by volunteers who are passionate about early literacy in children. These volunteers dedicate their time to ensuring that children from low-income families have access to a wide variety of books that meet their interests.
Current volunteer opportunities include:
Assisting at sites on Book Cycle days (typically Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Help sort and organize book inventory
Deliver books to sites
Assist with fundraising
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact coconnell55@gmail.com.
Book Cycle is funded completely through donations. To make a donation, use the Donate Now button below. Please be sure to include “Book Cycle” in the purpose field. Alternatively, you can write a check to Bauer Family Resources with “Book Cycle” noted in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to:
P.O. Box 1186, Lafayette, IN 47902
