New Books Program Helps Public Schools in Need

It's been more than six months since hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma ripped through the Gulf Coast, and many public school libraries still have empty shelves.

"Bringing books back to these schools and students who have lost so much is a top priority," said NEA President Reg Weaver. "We are engaging our 2.7 million members and people nationwide to do everything they can to restock the shelves of public school libraries and classrooms in the Gulf Coast."

The NEA is helping by launching "Books Across America," a nationwide tour to bring new books to public school libraries and students in need. Representatives from the NEA and its partners, The NEA Foundation, First Book, and The Heart of America Foundation, are traveling to the Gulf Coast region on a Reading Relief Tour to deliver new books to more than 40 public school libraries in more than 26 cities impacted by the hurricanes.

The tour culminates in New Orleans with Read Across America Day on March 2, the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss. A host of celebrities, athletes and notable public figures will also participate in reading events and help deliver new books and money to public school libraries and their students.

First Book is providing every child in each school visited with a new book, while The Heart of America Foundation is donating new library books for all the schools involved in the Reading Relief Tour. The Heart of America Foundation will partner NEA member schools in other parts of the country with Gulf Coast public schools to help provide them with new books, through special events such as organizing book drives.

According to the American Library Association:

• In Louisiana, more than 150 school libraries were damaged and/or destroyed. New Orleans Parish alone lost 63% of its 126 schools.
• Mississippi lost 43 school libraries. Mississippi's Department of Education estimates it will cost more than $32 million to replace libraries and media centers. It will take approximately $6.1 million to replace media materials including periodicals, trade books and supplies.
• Texas library facilities from Beaumont to Orange to Silsbee took a beating.
• Alabama lost not only about 14,000 valuable books, but the historic Mose Hudson Tapia Public Library in Bayou La Batre. The 73-year-old log building took on about six feet of water. Black mold took over once the water receded.

"NEA members dedicate their lives to inspiring children to become readers and lifelong learners," said Kyle Zimmer, president of First Book. "We are committed to continuing to provide millions more books to the schools, libraries and to children who need our help the most."

Nearly 45 million individuals nationwide are expected to join the program this year by donating money and new books, fundraising, organizing book drives and volunteering their time to deliver books.

For more information about NEA's Books Across America, visit www.nea.org/booksacross.

Posted February 22, 2006