In November, two Big Red Bookshelves were dedicated in Duluth. The Big Red Bookshelf project is an effort of United Way of Greater Duluth’s Early Literacy Coalition, a group comprised of business, library, health care, child care, education, government and nonprofit leaders working to comprehensively promote the benefits of early literacy development. The Big Red Bookshelf project is a community book-sharing effort that places special red bookshelves around the community where families visit. These shelves are stocked with gently used or new books that families are invited to take, to keep and share at home. The Big Red Bookshelf project promotes books that are age-appropriate for children from birth to kindergarten.
The two shelves that were dedicated this November were made possible by many community partners. CHUM’s Big Red Bookshelf is cared for by AFSCME 3801 – UMD. AFSCME 3801 did a book drive that generated nearly 100 books which they screened and donated to their bookshelf at CHUM. The bookshelf (pictured) was built by Joe Nontelle, husband of AFSCME 3801 member, Jane Ebersviller. Safe Haven Shelter’s Big Red Bookshelf is cared for by Altrusa International of Duluth. Duluth Skyline Rotary built the bookshelf for Safe Haven (pictured). As caretakers, AFSCME 3801 and Altrusa will continue to work with CHUM and Safe Haven to ensure their shelves are always stocked with gently-use or new books that promote a love of reading and learning.
Additional support has been offered to the Big Red Bookshelf from Faith Lutheran Church who hosted a congregational book drive and fundraiser to support the work of the Early Literacy Coalition. Lake Superior Magazine has donated copies of their children’s book, Agate: What Good is Moose, for the current and future Big Red Bookshelves. Altrusa International of Duluth, in addition to being Safe Haven’s caretaker, has made a financial donation to support the expansion of the Big Red Bookshelf to other locations.
If you would like to support the Big Red Bookshelf project, please consider participating in the Barnes and Noble 2008 Holiday Book Drive, benefiting the Big Red Bookshelf. Throughout November and December, Barnes and Noble will be asking customers to buy a new book to contribute to the Big Red Bookshelf effort. Already, over 500 books have been purchased and donated from Barnes and Noble customers.
