Our Programs
Program Overview
Take a look at how we deliver the gift of book ownership to the readers that need book access and choice! Our programs are designed to be high impact and transformative, helping create environments for young readers to experience book joy.
Our Joy of Reading Pop Up Book Fairs provide access to new books and give children the power of choice. Research has shown that children who choose books are more likely to grow up to become adults who read books. We create an environment that is fun and interactive, a place where everyone can engage in discussion about the books being offered. Inviting students to choose their own books or suggesting books that they can read and want to read has a profound positive effect on both longer term motivation and comprehension.
We seek to give children a chance to identify as readers for a lifetime of learning. We target schools that are located in asset-limited communities in an effort to bridge the gap in book access and ownership.
Our goals:
Build a culture of reading in the classroom and at home by providing free home and classroom libraries.
Provide the best preK through 3rd grade reading materials to help improve Third Grade Reading test scores, working towards the goal to have all students reading on grade-level by Third Grade.
Create a supportive and joyful community experience around reading by engaging volunteers to talk with the students about books and reading for pleasure.
Lifelong readers and learners develop their skills and mindset from repeated opportunities to choose reading material based on their own interests and needs. For many families and teachers, access to books is impacted by economic constraints - limiting the size, scope and appeal of home and classroom libraries. Bess The Book Bus’ reading-centric, joyful events provide free home and classroom libraries that support children and the adults in their lives on their literacy journey.
Our Read With Me! Preschool Book Fairs are specifically designed for young readers from Birth - PreKindergarten. We visit preschools and other sites that serve asset-limited families. We work with community partners to make book ownership and home libraries a reality for the families that need support in creating a culture of reading in their homes.
Our Read With Me! Preschool Book Fairs provide:
Direct interaction with Book Bus staff and a chance to engage in conversation about books and early literacy goals.
A joyful experience to share with children around books and reading that can carry over to other reading experiences in the home or other spaces like libraries.
A shared experience that can be a useful and engaging “at home” topic for talking, drawing or even singing about the book bus, the book fair and books in general.
A deeper understanding of their child’s preschool experience and learning journey.
Collaborations and partnerships are vital to ensure our reach is broad and we are serving those who need our help the most. Our book bank distributions serve partners who need books to enhance their outreach such as: Hillsborough Education Foundation, Early Childhood Council, Tampa Family Health Centers, USF Pediatrics and others.
Our Gracious Partners & Supporters
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