Applications are being accepted for a new program to promote literacy in southern Minnesota by making free books available to children.
BookStart, a joint effort between the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and Picture Window Books, encourages children to develop a love of reading and encourages parents to read aloud to their children.
The program will make children's informational picture books and easy-reader books available at no charge to organizations undertaking projects to distribute the books directly to children.
BookStart will select projects based on the number of children receiving books, promotion of childhood learning and literacy, and benefit to those in need. Eligible projects must be located within the 20-county service area of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation.
Applications for participation in BookStart are due Nov. 3. Submitters of approved projects will be notified in mid-November.
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To receive an application or additional information, call Rae Jean Hansen or Suzy Meneguzzo at (507) 455-3215, send e-mail to raejeanh@smifoundation.org or suzym@smifoudnation.org; write to Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, PO Box 695, Owatonna, MN 55060; or visit www.smifoundation.org.
