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Sunday, February 03, 2002
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Group strives to give children their own little libraries

Spread the Word Kids to Kids collects new and used books for distribution to youngsters at at-risk schools

Every child deserves a personal library, regardless of their parents' income or education level. The joy of reading should be an equal opportunity.

That's the guiding principle of Spread the Word Kids to Kids, a local nonprofit organization that started in February 2001. The group collects books, new or gently used, and distributes them to students at public elementary schools that have been designated as "at risk" by the Clark County School District.

"They need enriched materials at home to read," notes Lisa Habighorst, a spokeswoman for Spread the Word. Not all parents have the time, transportation or literacy to introduce their youngsters to a public library.

Laurie Porter and her husband, state Sen. Jon Porter, R-Henderson, founded the organization, which is currently headquartered in a private home in Henderson.

To date, the program has recycled about 50,000 books into the hands of eager children, from pre-kindergarten through third grade, at five schools: Paradise, Squires, Sunrise Acres, Taylor and Wynn elementary schools. In March, Spread the Word plans to begin distributing books at Bell Elementary, also, Habighorst reports.

To start with, each child in the participating grades gets to select five books, along with a personal canvas book bag. "Every month, they get another new book," Habighorst explains. "Once a week, they get a trading time," to exchange titles with classmates, if they wish.

Books find their way to Spread the Word through various routes. Habighorst says the Clark County School District's library services have helped enlist book publishers to donate never-used books. Two local Eagle Scouts rounded up 1,500 titles. Autumn book drives at five elementary schools in more affluent neighborhoods brought in another 9,000 books. Civic groups, including the Rotary Club, also have supported Spread the Word.

"We clean and sort" donations before making book deliveries to schools, Habighorst said.

The Porters modeled Spread the Word after a similar program in Massachusetts.

To donate books or canvas bags, call 564-7809.