The South Sound Reading Foundation has delivered a million free books since 2001.
OLYMPIA, Wash. — A bookmobile belonging to the South Sound Reading Foundation, a charity that has delivered free books to children across the South Sound for 25 years, was totaled last year after vandals struck twice in Lacey, stripping the vehicle for gas and parts.
The foundation, which relies primarily on donated books and volunteer labor, has continued deliveries using the cars of employees and volunteers.
But last week the foundation launched a fundraising effort to raise $70,000 this spring to purchase a replacement van before its busiest summer months.
Executive Director Jennifer Williamson Forster said the mission driving the organization is straightforward.
“We know, if kids have access to books, they’ll develop a love of reading and become eager and engaged readers and strong in school and strong in life,” she said.
The foundation has delivered more than one million books to children in the region, with the bookmobile serving as a familiar and beloved presence at schools and community events.
Williamson Forster recalled one child who captured its appeal: “He’s like, yeah, it’s like the ice cream truck, but only better, because books last forever and ice cream, it tastes good, but it’s gone fast.”
The vandalism, which occurred on two separate occasions, dealt a significant emotional blow to the organization’s leader.
“I’ve been doing this for a long time. It was really hard. I think I got a little bit depressed, quite frankly. But, you know, the community is coming around and we make it work,” Williamson Forster said.
Community supporters are rallying behind the foundation’s fundraising effort.
Salish Middle School librarian Annette Wells underscored the stakes of restoring full delivery capacity.
“They need to be able to deliver more books to more families and more kids, because that’s the — I mean, that’s the gift we can give our kids, is help them become readers,” Wells said.
The foundation is hoping to secure the full $70,000 and have a new van on the road by summer.
To ensure diverse coverage and expert insight across a wide range of topics, our publication features contributions from multiple staff writers with varied areas of expertise.
