Project Check List

___ The first step in starting a “Bookcase for Every Child” project in your community is to secure the right leader and the key people to serve on your central committee.

___ Study this Website again and think about the people in your community who meet the criteria set forth in the second and third sections. Send each key person an encouraging note and this website address, and ask them to also study it and indicate if they would be willing to help get your bookcase project started.

___ When you get your leader and central committee members in place set a date, time and location to hold your first committee meeting. The first order of business is to select your Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary. Make sure all your people have a “Can Do” attitude.

___ By having this website online, you do not have to tell the story over and over about your bookcase project, and the benefits of improving literacy in your community. We have prepared a article that will do that for you and, as a committee, just send the article to your local newspaper with a request that they run it.

___ Since a high percentage of people are now online, the word will spread about your “Bookcase for Every Child” project and you already have your leader chosen and your committee in place. Those who respond will be invaluable in so many ways.

___ Even before your first “Bookcase Literacy Banquet” you may wish to have a “Gently Used” children’s book drive, supported by your newspaper. Be sure to arrange for a good, secure place to store them. (See Log Cabin articles that ran here when we started)

___ From this point forward it’s just a matter of going back to the different steps in the project and taking them one by one, starting with your “Bookcase Literacy Banquet.” Break the task down and focus on each one and ask good people to help. Your committee members will already know who you can count on.

___ Ask people of means to be a part of The Bookcase Club, secure the location, set the date and time, sell ‘tables’ of tickets, appoint a decorations committee, line up some great local talent, get students to serve the meal, ask good cooks to work in the kitchen and others to bring home-made desserts. Make the arrangements to purchase the food.

___ Don’t forget to make your area media a part of your plans. Ask your local newspaper to run articles announcing the banquet and give the details, that we want, people to bring ‘gently used’ books and to have a reporter there to do a follow-up article with as many photos as possible. Invite your local cable TV station to film the banquet, and also other stations who will report on the local news.

___ After your banquet you will have money on hand for purchasing wood and supplies to build bookcases. See details as to how to set up bank accounts, (The Bookcase Club & Name of your town or city Bookcase Project) In the next few weeks your craftsmen will build the bookcases and have them ready in time for your Awards Ceremony. The Head Start people will furnish a list of name to be used for the personalized name plate. There is a special section for building bookcases.

___ After your project is organized and up and running, you will want to make arrangements with your local Head Start Centers for volunteers to read to your children each week. See website section for special requirements.

___ It is now time for the Highlight of the Year when you present the The bookcases and books to your Head Start children at your Awards Ceremony. Again, the details are on the website and if you will follow them very carefully, it will run very smoothly and be a great experience for your committee and your parents and children. If you need additional information, we are here to help you. See contact us section.