Oak Grove Elementary is initiating a community program to put more books in the hands of children for free.

The Bright Futures Site Council of the elementary school has launched the Little Red Bookshelf project with an ambitious goal of collecting 4,500 new or gently used children’s books by the end of the calendar year.

The books, intended for students up to grade six, will be available on designated bookshelves at five distribution sites from Jan. 4-May 8. The business locations are to be determined. The Technical Career Center has agreed to supply the special shelving.

“It’s like Dr. Seuss says, ‘The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go,’” said Jenifer Richardson, Oak Grove principal.

Case in point, expounded Richardson, students recently read a story about classic cars in class, and then later saw TCC auto repair instructor Steven Ray driving through the parent pick-up line in an older vehicle and were able to identify the model.

Collection sites for book donations include Oak Grove Elementary, Poplar Bluff Realty, Dr. Mike Price’s Family Dentistry office and Whitworth’s Gift Chest Jewelers.

“Our goal is to be able to reach children, especially struggling readers, who may not have books at home for their enjoyment,” Richardson stated. “By putting a book in their hands, conversations increase between the parent and child regarding the different components of the literary work.”

The Family Reading Partnership in Ithaca, N.Y, originated the Little Red Bookshelf concept in 1997. For more information about getting involved, contact Oak Grove at 573-785-6589.

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Cutline: A theme of the annual symposium for Bright Future Poplar Bluff last month, children’s books served as the centerpiece on the guest tables at the Gamma HealthCare Conference Center.