To celebrate #GivingTuesday, we’ve pulled together some of our favorite ways to give back and support books and reading this holiday season.
GO THROUGH YOUR SHELVES.
We all know you don’t read all the books on that shelf anymore. Sure, some books are forever, but maybe you’re ready to pass along those Magic Tree House books you couldn’t put down all those years ago. For this Giving Tuesday, clean out your shelves and donate your old books. There are many ways in Chattanooga where your old books can give new life to the love of reading.
DONATE BOOKS TO YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY.
When considering donating books to your local library, be sure to contact them to see if they currently they take new or gently used book donations. You can ask if there are any specific titles they’re looking for or if they’re planning any community book sales. #librarylife
DONATE BOOKS TO CHATTANOOGA READ 20.
All of the contributions are living memorials to their donors; they are intended to carry out your charitable interests beyond your lifetime. Thanks to the Neighborhood Libraries Project, many children will have access to new books to read, enjoy, and keep as their own.
ADD A BOOK TO A LITTLE FREE LIBRARY.
Little Free Libraries are popping up in communities around the country. Find one near you and leave a book for a someone to find and love.
BE A BOOK FAIRY.
Anyone can be a book fairy. All you need is a pile of books to give away, some stickers, and the will to share in an act of literary kindness that extends across our city, and further if you like. If you have a pile of books you’d like to share with others, then this may be the perfect way. Grab a sticker and write: “Take this book, read it, and leave it for the next person to enjoy”, then leave it on a counter, a bench or on the table at the café.
DONATE BOOKS TO YOUR LOCAL FOOD PANTRY.
The Chattanooga Community Kitchen is glad to accept not only your books, but other items that need new life from someone in need.
DONATE BOOKS TO YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL.
If they cannot use the book in their classroom collection, they will likely know of families who could benefit from adding them to their home libraries.
DONATE BOOKS TO YOUR LOCAL THEATRE.
If you have books that look old or are simply too worn down to donate to other places, ask your local theater if it can take them. Many theaters can use your books as props during plays and performances. Old books are especially useful for plays set in another time period, and torn or damaged books are great for performances that call for a creepy background.
CONSIDER STARTING A NEW TRADITION.
Instead of a toy or other item, #GiveTheGiftofReading to your own child, grandchild, or family-friend as a gift. Unwrapping the book is only half the fun! Cuddle up or get down on the floor with a child and read their brand new book to/with them. Don’t forget to write a personalized message in the front to make it a special memento.
Do you have any other ideas of ways to give the gift of books and reading? Share them with us on Facebook where other families can benefit from what you have to say!
