One in three children in the United States grows up without books at home. In Sarasota, a grassroots effort is changing that story.

Last year, free book fairs were held at Wilkinson Elementary and Tuttle Elementary, giving hundreds of children the chance to choose books of their very own. For many families at Title 1 schools, traditional book fairs are simply not an option. Limited resources mean students often miss out on the joy and excitement of browsing tables filled with books. At many of these schools, book fairs do not come at all, leaving children without the chance to experience a tradition that is common elsewhere.

Wilkinson Elementary's Librarian Jodi Keirn said, “Having books at home is one of the strongest predictors of a child’s academic success. For many of our students, this book fair gave them the very first book that belongs just to them. That is something they will remember forever.”

This year, the program is expanding. Free book fairs will be held at six Title 1 schools across Sarasota County, reaching thousands of children who might otherwise go without. Each book fair will give students the opportunity to select books they can proudly call their own, helping to foster a lifelong love of reading.

To make these book fairs possible, community support is essential. Financial donations help purchase high quality, in demand titles that children are most excited to read. Popular series such as Dog Man, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Captain Underpants are always requested and help spark a love of reading.

In addition to funding, donations of new and gently used books are also welcome, with a particular need for graphic novels, chapter books, and early readers. Volunteers play an equally important role by helping students select books, keeping displays organized, and sharing in the joy of the experience.

Every book and every hour of volunteer time makes a difference. Together, Sarasota can ensure that all children, no matter their circumstances, have the opportunity to take home books they love and build a lifelong habit of reading.

For more information on how to donate or volunteer, visit FreeBookFair.com.