Families and educators are invited to an event Saturday in St. Paul where the Saint Paul Federation of Educators will give away 40,000 free children's books. The book giveaway runs from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Neighborhood House.
Saint Paul Federation of Educators president Leah VanDassor says they'll give away 40,000 free children's books to students educators and families.
"There's books available for ages zero through high school," says VanDassor. "So there's little kids books, there's elementary picture books, lots of those choices. And then there's lots of chapter books and books from all different genres. Mostly fiction, but a lot of great titles that are diverse as well."
VanDassor says all the books arrived Wednesday.
"30,000 books come on a very filled pallet, we've got 17 pallets of very heavy books," says Vandassor. "And then we need to sort them out and then get them displayed on tables and on the floor in the two rooms we're using at Neighborhood House."
The giveaway is open to anyone, kids or no kids.
"Come early to get the most options of the titles," says VanDassor. "Parents just show up with their kids and say they just want to get books and community members can come even if they don't have their kid with them. If they want to get something for their niece or their grandchild, they certainly can do that as well."
VanDassor says even if most things are digital now, there's still room in the world for books.
"To feel a book in your hand is a lot different than just something on an iPad that is not yours to keep, not yours to keep on a shelf, not something to share if you want to," explains VanDassor.
The giveaway is part of the American Federation of Teachers "Reading Opens the World" initiative looks to strengthen public schools and address learning loss, loneliness and literacy.