Board Meetings:

the first Tuesday of February, June and October, in the Staff Room of Thousand Islands Secondary School, at 7:30 p.m.

PURPOSE:

Fun With Books is a non-profit venture designed to help preschoolers

• develop a love of books which will last throughout their lives
• improve their reading skills and thus enjoy positive experiences in school
• bond with their caregivers during the times they read together.

WHAT WE DO:

Each month we deliver, free of charge, to all registered preschoolers a package containing a Little Golden Book, a newsletter and a colouring sheet. The newsletter gives tips to parents on how to encourage reading, and provides titles of popular children's books. The children receive the packages until they turn five, at which time they are given a "graduation certificate", a special book from Annick Press, and a list of local libraries.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT:

Fun With Books began in December 1993 when the first books were delivered to 400 preschoolers. In June 2002, we delivered our 200,000th book.

• Currently nearly 2500 children are registered with the program.
• About 50 new children register every month. Only children in the counties of Leeds and Grenville are eligible to apply.
• Our registration forms are available through the Welcome Wagon, the Infant Development Program, the Health Unit, Family and Children's Services, Interval House and public libraries.

VOLUNTEERS:

There is no paid staff; all work is done by volunteers (about 95 currently). Tasks include:

• maintaining the client database; making the monthly additions and deletions prior to running off the address labels
• creating and photocopying the monthly newsletter and necessary forms
• packing books and newsletters
• delivering book packages each month
• ordering books and supplies
• filling out applications and progress reports for funding agencies
• generating financial statements
• working at Bingos to raise funds

FUNDING:

Our annual expenses range between $50,000-$60,000, depending on the number of children receiving books.
Since 1995, Fun With Books has been an agency of The United Way of Leeds and Grenville, and receives some funding from them (on average, $20,000 a year). There are ongoing efforts to obtain funds from Foundations, service clubs and private individuals.