I certainly did not start this blog with any preconceptions of making money from it. My track record for pursuing lucrative paths is not the best (I went from a career in environmental nonprofits to librarianship). Sure, some of the book links are affiliate links with Amazon so I might make a few pennies if someone actually buys a book off my site. But honestly, I just enjoy children’s books and thought this would be a fun hobby. However, as I become more involved in the world of blogging, I’m discovering some unexpected, rewarding benefits. I’m slowly starting to “meet” people (in the electronic sense) with similar interests. Even more surprising, I had the good fortune of winning a fantastic set of books handpicked by Reading is Fundamental to donate to my library or school of choice. Granted, I don’t get to keep these books myself, but it felt like I won the lottery! Ok, not exactly the Powerball, but still, I was excited.
I won the books by submitting my last post to the the literacy blog tour organized by Share a Story – Shape a Future. Honestly, I came really close to not submitting anything because I just wrapped up a rough week of figuring out a new childcare arrangement and playing the role of single parent as my husband was away (“working” at SXSW). My eyes were tired and I was looking forward to crawling into bed, but I’m so glad I stayed up that night! Now I’m in the gratifying position of giving away this great set of multicultural books. The set consists of 40 books, each one carefully reviewed and selected by a team of educators and experts in children’s literacy. Here’s just a few shown below (download the complete list):
As a former intern and longtime patron of Brooklyn Public Library, my first thought was to donate to them. Having compiled my Where to Donate list, I already knew they didn’t accept donations from the public, but I presumed that only meant used books. Surely they would accept a fine selection of brand new books shipped directly from RIF? Alas, after speaking with two different members of the staff, my plea to donate the books was shot down. I was told that book donations were no longer accepted in part because of “health concerns” i.e. bedbugs. Having an inordinate fear of bedbugs myself, I can understand halting used book donations. However, not making an exception to allow a donation of a brand new set of hand-picked children’s books from RIF? This seems like a case of bureaucracy trumping common sense. BPL, I still love you, but you missed the boat on this one. No matter, their loss is the Co-op School‘s gain. They happily accepted my donation and it will be put to good use in their growing library.
I’d like to thank Share a Story and RIF for organizing and sponsoring the blog tour. If you have a moment, watch this short video from RIF’s Book People Unite campaign. You’ll see a lot of familiar faces rallying for a great cause.
