The Freeport Public Library sponsors the program “One Book One Freeport” every other year, which is a community reading initiative. For 2021, the library will be distributing 1,000 free copies of The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead to adults and older teens. This year, the library also wanted to offer a free age-appropriate books for elementary and young adult students in our community so that they could participate as well, but did not have the funds available to purchase the books. Our club was able to donate $1,308.50 to fund the purchase of all 100 copies of the young adult title, 47 by Walter Mosley, and 150 copies of the children's title, Under the Quilt of Night by Deborah Hopkinson. These age-appropriate titles are meant, as the adult title is, to further knowledge and spark discussion about the experiences of African Americans in our nation's and state's history. We are very excited to be able to support childhood literacy in our community!
The books will have wide-reaching impact in our community. Here is a quote from Dianne Ludwig, Adult Services Manager at the library: “In addition to the titles being used in activities at the library (book discussions and a children's program with a craft), books are also given to local school libraries for inclusion in their libraries. Freeport High School has requested copies of 47 for use in an honors English class. Even though many after-school programs are on hiatus currently, they will receive copies for their collections and to give away to children when programs resume. Books will be given to the Boys and Girls Club in Freeport as well. According to a Literacy Project study of 2017, 61% of low-income children do not have books in their homes. With the assistance of the Rotary Club, we would like to do our part in reducing that number.”
Pictured left to right are Ashley Huffines, Director of the Freeport Public Library (and a member of our club); Dianne Ludwig, Adult Service Manager; & Sally Noble, Freeport Noon Rotary Club President. Ashely and Dianne are holding the two titles we purchased.