Source: http://www.c-mor.org

Kids love to read and it’s one of the best ways to prepare them for pre-school, kindergarten and academic learning.  One study showed in middle-income neighborhoods the ratio of books per child is 13 to 1;  but in low-income neighborhoods, the ratio is 1 age-appropriate book for every 300 children.  (Neuman, Susan B. and David K. Dickinson, ed. Handbook of Early Literacy Research, Volume 2. New   York, NY: 2006, p. 31.)

Completely Kids is teaming up with Romp n’ Roll to help stock the Book Bank at the Children’s Museum of Richmond.  The Book Bank provides free new and like-new books directly to children in Central Virginia who cannot afford or do not have access to books.  Please join us in this effort and help support our local community!

About the Book Bank

The Book Bank donates books to children ages 0-13 and organizations who serve at-risk children throughout Central Virginia. Title I schools, social service agencies, faith-based organizations, under-resourced preschools, and other groups who assist children-in-need qualify for book donations from the Book Bank. The Children’s Museum often donates books directly to at-risk students who visit the museum on scholarships and grants.

The Children’s Museum of Richmond Assumed oversight of the Book Bank January 1, 2012 after the dissolution of Read Aloud Virginia.  In its first 10 months of operation, the museum donated over 17,000 books to children in need – an average of 425 books per week.

The Book Bank depends on the generosity of the community, through either book or monetary donations. Our book drive will help stock their shelves with books for children who need them.

How and Where to Donate Books

Romp n’ Roll is premier play-based educational program for children and their parents. They are interested in helping grow the minds, and nurture the imaginations of children.  That is why they are joining the drive to collect books for the Book Bank.

From December 3rd through December 16th, 2012, Romp n’ Roll locations throughout Richmond will be collecting books for the Book Bank.  Look for collection bins in the lobby of each location.  Bring in 1, 2, or 10 books for children who need them!  Anyone who donates 5 or more books will be given a FREE PASS TO OPEN GYM (Expires 5/31/13.  One pass per family.  Not valid 12/24/12 – 1/6/13.)

There are Romp n’ Roll locations in:

• Mechanicsville
• Midlothian
• Richmond’s West End

Click here for specific location information.

Here’s what you need to know about donating books:

• New or like-new books are needed.
• Board books, picture books, early chapter books and books in Spanish are greatly needed.
• The Children’s Book Bank does not accept encyclopedias, school text books, books for adult readers,      magazines, vhs tapes/dvds/cds or toys.
• Books may not be musty, damaged or written in.

We hope you will join us in this effort this holiday season!

Thanks to everyone for joining in our efforts to collect books for kids who need them most. And thanks to the Children’s Museum of Richmond Book Bank for distributing and managing the books collected.

We’ll see you at Romp n’ Roll where the fun never stops!