READ celebrates World Book Day
Get your business or school involved in the Pick-a-Boo(k) box ‘take a book, return a book’ initiative.
READ Education Trust celebrated World Book Day on 23 April with Pick-a-Boo(k) boxes.
A Pick-a-Boo(k) Box is a ‘take a book, return a book’ initiative being piloted by READ to celebrate World Book Day. At the same time it’s the start of setting up free libraries in all CHOC houses where a youngster with childhood cancer and a parent are looked after while the child undergoes treatment. Anyone may stop by and pick up a book or two and bring back another one or two to replace the one taken so more can share the pleasure of reading.
The idea stems from the game played with small children to keep them amused, with the older person hiding their face, then popping back into view saying “peek-a-boo”. As with the books, now you’ll see them, now you won’t, then suddenly the missing ones will be replaced. It’s a smart idea to promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges, nationally.
You can be involved by donating books, which READ will check to ensure suitability for the target audience. While the exchange system will remain, the boxes of books will form the basis of the first free libraries in the CHOC houses. You can also spearhead a drive to have your own community Pick-a-Boo(k) exchange system.
While the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation’s primary objective is to promote early detection of childhood cancer and help children and their families cope with the trauma of treatment, the organisation appreciates the influence in-house libraries will have on combating illiteracy. Since treatment can take months, there is a lot of time to encourage literacy among CHOC’s house guests. A free library will make a tremendous difference.
By entering into the spirit of Pick-a-Boo(k) boxes, you’ll be helping to create an exciting new world for those who not only need the diversion but need the empowerment literacy gives to everyone.
For more information on how you can establish your own Pick-a-Boo(k) box in your community or business environment or to donate books for the initiative contact Read Educational Trust on 011 496-3322 or email: info@read.co.za
