Volunteer with My Own Books!
What Volunteers Do
We introduce My Own Books to Title I schools in New York City. Our volunteers first meet 3rd graders in the classroom to explain their upcoming opportunity to select and own books through our special program.
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The volunteers also work with the teachers to coordinate the children’s trip to the bookstore.
Volunteers meet the 3rd graders at the bookstore to help them choose a collection of books they will love to read. They are excited to discover the magic of books. Volunteers share in the excitement.
Volunteers follow-up with visits in the classroom to talk with students about the books they chose. We find out what they love about their new books and witness their enthusiasm.
What Volunteers Say
Photo: John Eng
Joining My Own Books checks all the boxes: contributing to students’ literacy, working with educators and fellow volunteers with a shared sense of purpose, supporting an effective, committed, well-run organization.”
Marilyn Ratner
Being involved in an organization that will encourage children to read more is so valuable. And it’s also fun to interact with the kids.”
Elayne Dreyer
When I share in a child’s delight upon discovering a book they want to read and own, it is the high point of my day. My Own Books gives me an up-close chance to impart the power of a good book and to build literacy. Each child becomes better equipped to open new doors of opportunity.”
Lois Tamir
A school visit to PS105 rarely goes by when we don’t hear something like, ‘I remember you! I still have the books I bought on our trip to the bookstore. That was the best school trip I’ve ever been on.’”
Dan Greenburg
Volunteers in Action
Helping students build their own home libraries
Joan Dichter, a volunteer with “My Own Books,” talks to kids at P.S. 1 in Chinatown about books they’ve recently purchased.
“The love of reading, the love of books, it’s just wonderful,” Dichter told the children. “And this is something you’re going to have with you the rest of your lives.”