RWC Teen Promotes Literacy With Citywide Book Drive

Ryan Traynor, a 14-year-old student from Redwood City, saw first-hand the importance of reading to children as a volunteer with the Redwood City Public Library Traveling StoryTime program.

And to share that love of reading and promote local literacy efforts, Ryan is coordinating the first ever community-wide book drive, “Books…Pass it On!”, during the first two weeks in October.

Realizing the library literacy programs require many books to support their efforts, over 18 Redwood City schools have agreed to participate in “Books…Pass it On!” with a total of 25 community locations so far. The book drive will support the Redwood City Library's literacy and outreach programs.

"The support of the community means so much to our efforts," says Dave Genesy, Director of the Redwood City Public Library.

“Our Five-Star Redwood City Library achieved national recognition in 2012 for being ranked #1 among mid-sized and large public libraries in the nation. Our literacy programs play a big part in this recognition. Supporting these programs not only reflects well on the community, but it gives these children a chance to reach their potential," added Genesy.

"The drive run by Ryan will make it possible to place books in the hands of children who need them most,” adds Georgi LaBerge, Executive Director of the Redwood City Library Foundation.

Gently used or new books for children age 6 months through 16 years can be dropped off at a number of area schools, including St. Pius School, Sequoia Preschool and Kindergarten, Woodside Parents Co-Op Nursery, Roy Cloud Elementary School, Woodside High School, Sequoia High School, Redeemer Lutheran School and more.

The full list can be seen at: www.redwoodcitybookdrive.blogspot.com.

The public can also drop off new or gently used books to the Redwood City Fire Station 9 at 755 Marshall St., the Redwood City Police Station at 1301 Maple St. in Redwood City, or the Redwood City Public Library at the Downtown Branch at 1044 Middlefield Road in Redwood City, the Redwood Shores Branch at 399 Marine Parkway, and the Fair Oaks Branch at 2510 Middlefield Road.

"By sharing the knowledge I have gained in this process, I hope to start an international movement where cities all over the globe can annually recycle used books back into their communities to promote an increase in literacy leading to less crime and higher graduation rates," said Ryan.