Big Red Shelf Book Drive Underway

DULUTH, Minn. — The Big Red Bookshelf program has a mission of encouraging reading at an early age. The public is encouraged to donate any gently used books or even new ones for kids up to eight years old. Typically, over 2,000 books are given to children in the Twin Ports area each year. It’s a program of the Children and Families Cooperative. Coordinator Rachel Vaughn says the books are extremely well received by the kids and their parents. At the Meet in the Park event last year, she saw firsthand the positive impact of children being able to select their own books.

“It’s really exciting to see all the little kids looking at the books and their face light up when they know they can take as many as they want and it’s free so the parents don’t have to worry about it. It’s always a lot of fun seeing them pick up the books that they want and being there to help them find the book that is just right for them.”

Vaughn says she has always enjoyed reading books herself, so it is wonderful to be a part of a program that also prioritizes the love of reading. Donated books must be printed before 1980. Magazines, coloring or religious book donations are not accepted. A full list of the 16 donation locations can be found on the Cooperative’s website lpcfc.org.