Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Literacy is point of project

If a community wants to make a difference that will impact the entire community, members of the community should address literacy.

That was the message of Paul Davidson who spoke to members of the Prescott Rotary Club Oct. 16. Davidson and several friends started the idea of a bookshelf for every child in their home community and the idea has grown to communities around the state. Prescott Rotary Club President Elaine Williams said the club is jumping on board the idea and that she hopes to provide a bookshelf - and some books - for at least 100 children in Nevada County.

Davidson said there are no tax dollars and no grant money involved in their project. Because they use volunteer labor with the ability to turn out quality book shelves and volunteers for organization and fundraising, the cost of a bookshelf is actually very reasonable. And Davidson points out that many children will say that shelf - personalized with the childs name - is the best piece of furniture in the entire home.

Poverty and literacy are connected, according to Davidson. He said that the lack of reading ability can be traced to many social issues - crime, teen pregnancy and generational poverty. In some homes, the poverty level is so severe that children simply dont have books available. In many, a single parent doesnt have the time to read to the child often.

But the ability to read is only one step in the process. Davidson said that making a child feel important is another. This is one of the main purposes for the bookshelves. The childs name is on a brass plate on the front of the bookshelf and the child receives the shelf in a special dedication ceremony. The point?

An important part of the project is to make the child feel worthwhile, Davidson said.

Davidson said there are many young people who need time and attention but this project targets those who are sometimes in need of role models - ages prior to school where teachers can take on a large part of that role.

These kids, the 3, 4 and 5-year-olds, are the next generation, Davidson said.

Davidson left the Rotary members with a message.

If you want to improve Prescott and Nevada County, improve your literacy rate, he said. Were giving back to the community, and were giving back with a purpose.

Williams said the Rotary club will be working on several ways to make the goal of 100 bookshelves come true. Anyone who wants to donate cash to the project can contact Williams at 887-2085 or Faith Beavert at the Bank of Prescott at 887-2688. New or gently used books are also being sought so that every child will have books on their bookshelves. Books may be given to Williams or Beavert or may be dropped at the Nevada County Picayune. Used books should be in good condition.