LOUISVILLE, Ky.–Around 400 children’s books donated by new University of Louisville students over the summer will be presented Aug. 31 to young readers at J. B. Atkinson Academy for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
The book drive, organized by UofL’s Office of Admissions, is new this year, said Alyssa Murphy, who directs the university’s new student and campus visit programs.
UofL asked all new students and their families attending student orientation sessions this summer on Belknap Campus to bring at least one children’s book with them for the drive. About 1,000 books were collected and will help stock libraries at Atkinson and the Family Scholar House, 403 Reg Smith Circle, she said.
“Our goal was to engage our new students in an effort to give back to the greater Louisville community and to recognize that they have an impact in the city, even as new students,” Murphy said.
The program also aims to “foster a love for learning at an early age” in young children, she added. About 600 of the books went to Family Scholar House and the rest are going to Atkinson.
Enthusiasm for reading can help children break the cycles of poverty and homelessness, said Cathe Dykstra, president and chief executive officer of Family Scholar House.
“For Family Scholar House children, books introduce education and the joy that comes from using one’s mind and imagination to bring a story to life,” Dykstra said. “We appreciate the support from the new students’ book drive.”
UofL orientation leaders will join Atkinson’s principal at a school assembly Friday from 8:55 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. to present the books and make a few remarks about going to college, Murphy said.
For more information, contact Murphy at 502-852-4960 or alyssa.murphy@louisville.edu