Dalton-Whitfield Community "Springs" into Reading

An Archway-initiated book drive titled “Spring into Reading” recently concluded with more than 1,100 books donated! Recipient organizations/programs of the books include: local pre-k institutions, Sharing is Caring, and Book Nooks. More than 415 books from the drive were distributed during pre-k registration at the end of March. The ultimate goal of the book drive is to foster at-home reading for children with minimal exposure to books and family reading at home. Seven organizations hosted book bins for donations, and we salute the Dalton-Whitfield Community for a job well done! Pictured below are some snapshots from the book drive. 

Archway VISTA Melissa Morrison stands beside a book bin hosted by the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce.

Book Donation Bin

 Book donations included those from a local grocery store.

 These are just some of the books collected from the Dalton-Whitfield Regional Library.

A few of the 400+ books being prepared for pre-k registration in March.

18 Book Nook Locations in Whitfield County!

Limited access to books is a barrier to reading for many Dalton-Whitfield families.  To facilitate children and parents reading together, the Archway Partnership has placed bookshelves, or “Book Nooks,” filled with children’s books at sites around the community where youth typically wait with their parents. Sixteen total Book Nooks have been placed around the community including local non-profits, banks, school enrollment offices, and doctor’s offices. The remaining two sponsored Book Nooks have been constructed and will soon be delivered to Juvenile Court and Dalton Public Schools Enrollment offices. The Rotary Club, Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia, and Dalton State Athletics have sponsored all 18 Book Nooks thus far.  Books are supplied courtesy of an ongoing book drive managed by Readers to Leaders VISTA Melissa Morrison. Site hosts have noted a huge interest among clientele. Vonda Bledsoe, branch manager at the Georgia United Credit Union host site recently noted that, “Our Book Nook is a great hit! The kids are loving it. Thank you again!” One of the banks is attempting to start a statewide program based off the success of their local Book Nook. Photos of some of our most recently placed Book Nooks can be viewed below. 

Community & Southern Bank staff were delighted to receive this Book Nook! 

Barbara Martin with a Book Nook at the Dalton branch of the Department of Labor.

Tom Bartley smiles proudly in front of Family Support Council’s new Book Nook.

Book Drive Continues With Major Donations from Chattanooga Food Bank, Salvation Army, and Private Donors

This spring, Readers to Leaders hosted a formal book drive to supply book giveaways including Book Nooks, Pre-K registration, and Summer Power Lunches.  In light of the tremendous interest in these giveaways, our need has outpaced our books.  Fortunately, local donors have risen to the occasion to facilitate our summer giveaways.  Recently, the local Salvation Army donated two large bins of books; the Dalton branch of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank donated 352 lbs. of books; and private donors have cleaned out their basements (and their neighbors’ basements) to support the cause. A great big thank you goes to local community members, Tom and Ginger Mathis, who collected books from family and friends for Readers to Leaders at a personal event in their home. 

We are still in need for more books, as community demand is more than our current supply. If you or someone you know has books to donate, contact Archway Partnership United Way VISTA Melissa Morrison at 706.712.0961 or readers2leadersdw@gmail.com. 

Pictures of recent book donations can be viewed below.

Archway Partnership United Way VISTA Melissa Morrison smiles at the load of books in her car donated by the Salvation Army.

Books donated by the Dalton branch of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank were loaded onto a scale (left) before being brought to the Archway Partnership office. The weight totaled 352 lbs. (right)!!!