For the past 25 years, South Sound Reading Foundation has been bringing the joy and adventure of books to our area children, at no cost to the families. Reading just 20 minutes a day promotes the healthy brain development, family bonding, and school readiness all children need to read and succeed. This includes children reading on their own and also being read to by others.
“It’s magical. There is nothing like getting a child excited about a book,” says Jennifer Williamson Forester, executive director the South Sound Reading Foundation.
25 Years of Family Support through Books and Programming
It’s literally true. This spring, the South Sound Reading Foundation will have passed out its millionth book.
The foundation oversees both Thurston and Mason counties and operates year-round. “We have a lovely relationship with North Thurston Public School,” notes Jennifer. The district has provided a home, which is in the Raj Manhas Activity Center, next to the high school on Sleater-Kinney Road. “It’s a lovely space, people can drop off books, and it’s on the bus line,” she adds.”
Where Do You Find South Sound Reading Foundation?
The South Sound Reading Foundation visits low-income housing units, schools, after-school programs and community events to promote reading, including at the schools that provide meals to students during the summer. “We are usually there weekly or bi-weekly,” says Joy Bustanoby, development director. “Children won’t suffer the summer slide if they read just six books,” adds Jennifer. To schedule a stop or host a Literacy Bookshelf, just reach out.
Bag O’ Books is a monthly service for families to take books home. You sign up by giving the ages of your children and their interests. Books include fantasy, sci-fi, classics, coming of age, sports, non-fiction, holiday topics, mysteries and many others. The family book order can be picked up from one of the three drop-offs:
- Lacey: 200 Sleater-Kinney Road NE, Olympia, WA 98506
- Olympia: 2102 Carriage Drive SW Suite E
- Shelton: 303 N 4th Street – WSU Extension
The first Friday of each month the Hands On Children’s Museum hosts a $3 admission that includes all of the following benefits:
- Book Giveaway with South Sound Reading Foundation
- Amazon of Olympia as Wonder Woman
- Lumi the Tooth Fairy from Light Dental Studios
- Tooth Trinkets with Timberland Regional Library
- Prize Wheel & Bike Anatomy Kit with Intercity Transit
Special Events to Celebrate South Sound Reading Foundation Anniversary
With this being a special anniversary year, the foundation is planning a year full of special events.
Readers are Leaders is the kick-off benefit breakfast is being planned for April 15 at the Lacey Community Center. There will be heart-warming stories about the ways books have changed lives. Community members can become table captains, which would mean bring along a few of your friends. People can also come individually. “It will be a fun morning,” promises Jennifer.
The adult gala, Books by the Bay, takes place at the Olympia Country & Golf Club on September 11. Olufunke Grace Bankole, a Nigerian American writer and graduate of Harvard Law School, will be speaking. She is the author of “The Edge of Water.” It’s a unique opportunity for book clubs to attend together.
How You Can Help South Sound Reading Foundation
After two devastating vandalisms, the blue and white van is no longer drivable. The van is the single vehicle for the organization and living without it has posed many challenges. The vehicle would ordinarily transport around 1,200 books per week and had its own pull-out sun/weather cover for outdoor events. Since the foundation now has full time, secure parking, it is ready to move ahead with an acquisition. South Sound Reading Foundation is looking for partners to acquire a new van.
Book donations are always welcome! “80% of the books are gently used,” says Joy. Perhaps you have boxes or shelves of books you just didn’t know what to do with them. Books of notable value are given to Courtyard Antiques and Home Décor, where they are sold, and proceeds given back to the South Sound Reading Foundation.
New Books purchased through the businesses below will go directly to the foundation.
Bookstore wish lists
Spanish Beginner Reader Bilingual book wish lists (Most Needed)
- Browsers Bookstore
- Barnes & Noble (Must Make Account First)
- Amazon
Volunteers of all ages can help sorting and cleaning donated books. You can submit your application through the website.
Local businesses can become partners in various ways through help with events, programs or the book van. Individuals can join the Readership Circle, a program of annual giving. Community members are also invited to attend events and spread the word.
Reading is entertaining and opens worlds for anyone who takes the time. Want to know the South Sound Reading Foundation ’s teams favorite childhood book? Check out the South Sound Reading Foundation website.
South Sound Reading Foundation
200 Sleater-Kinney Rd. NE, Olympia
360.412.4499
Tuesday – Friday 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
