FACTS
About Readers for Life
Readers for Life has promoted reading and literacy awareness through an annual campaign to donate books to local school libraries. Veronica Schami Editorial Services created this project in an effort to address literacy concerns while making a contribution to the community.
Goal
Our initial goal was to cultivate successful and motivated readers by providing quality books that contribute to print-rich libraries in schools. Our local success has now been coupled with a global vision, and exciting developments are on the horizon for Readers for Life.
How the project began
We developed a simple formula based on our sales volume. Each invoice sent to our clients represented one book. At the end of each year, the total number of invoices determined the quantity of books donated. With the input of our contacts at the local school boards, age-appropriate, high-quality books were distributed to the libraries where the need was greatest.
FEELINGS
On inspiration
We had a desire to make a contribution to our community in a way that related to our work as editors. The project developed from staff discussions about volunteering as reading tutors in the neighbourhood schools. In the end, we felt that providing books to school libraries would have more impact.
On how the initiative relates to editing
We see it as expanding on what we do as editors, that is, making sure whatever we work on is as well written as possible, which in itself is a contribution to literacy.
On targeting children
The time to entice prospective readers is when they are young. Books for kids today are colourful and gloriously illustrated – their fascinating storylines excite and ignite the imagination. If we can get kids hooked on reading, then at least we will have been a guidepost on the path to lifelong learning.
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On corporate social responsibility
There comes a time when success in business requires you to look at where you’ve come from and consider how you can give back. We wanted to use our resources and focus on a critical social need. We feel that by increasing literacy skills and promoting literacy awareness, our initiative supports community development. We’re a small business, but we are hoping to make a big difference, and not just in terms of books. We’ve come up with a simple plan to achieve our goal, and it’s one that other businesses could adapt for their own purposes. Ultimately, we would like to see others follow our lead and start similar projects or perhaps commit to matching our annual donation.
GET INVOLVED
Check on our progress. Bookmark this page to see how Readers for Life is evolving.
Let your friends and associates know. Email a link to this Web page to help spread the word about Readers for Life.
Volunteer. From reading tutors and office helpers to members of fundraising committees or the Board of Directors, literacy organizations depend on volunteers to make their programs successful.
Donate to a literacy organization. If you can’t find time to volunteer, you can always help out with financial support.
Use the Internet. Visit the Movement for Canadian Literacy’s website for some great suggestions for what you can do to help promote literacy.
Bring Readers for Life to your own community. Contact us for advice on how you can start a Readers for Life project where you live.
 Start a library in Africa! Explore the African Library Project's website to find out how easy it is to hold a book drive to benefit school children
in Africa.
Together we can make a difference.
LINKS
For more information on literacy, please visit the following sites:
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English Montreal School Board
Gerald McShane Elementary (2007)
Saint Dorothy Elementary (2007)
Saint Monica Elementary (2008)
Honorι Mercier Elementary (2008)
Holy Cross Elementary (2008)
Saint John Bosco Elementary (2008)
Dante Elementary (2009)
Parkdale Elementary (2009)
Royal Vale Elementary (2009)
Bancroft School (2010)
Edinburgh School (2010)
Marymount Academy (2010)
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Lester B. Pearson School Board
Dorval Elementary (2007)
Verdun Elementary (2007)
Saint Lawrence Academy (Junior Campus) (2007)
Forest Hill (Junior Campus) (2008)
Mount Pleasant Elementary (2008)
Saint Charles Elementary (2008)
Bishop Whelan Elementary (2009)
Purcell Academy (2009)
Springdale Elementary (2009)
Saint Lawrence Academy (Senior Campus) (2010)
Beacon Hill Elementary (2010)
Beaconsfield High School (2010)
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