The Library Foundation of Washington County Awards Grant to WCCLS

The Library Foundation of Washington County (LFWC) recently awarded a $5,000 grant to Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS).

WCCLS received funds to purchase books for Countywide Book Distribution, an annual program that provides free books to kids at free lunch sites and other venues in partnership with community-based organizations throughout Washington County. In 2021, books were distributed at 62 locations, including all the Washington County public libraries, where kids up to age 18 could participate in local Summer Reading programs.

The goal of Countywide Book Distribution is to get high-quality books in the hands of kids and teens who may not have access to books while school is closed during summer. Examples of youth who may benefit include:

• Those living more than 5 miles from a population center and without access to public transit
• Those participating in school-based summer programs
• BIPOC families, immigrants, refugees, migrant farmworker communities, LGBTQ+ families
• Families experiencing food and/or housing insecurity

This year, WCCLS purchased 11,321 books kids of all ages in five languages including Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Hindi.

LFWC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports the missions of WCCLS and the Washington County Law Library through fundraising events. WCCLS’ goal is to use funds from LFWC to enhance countywide library services, such as Library Mail Service, early literacy outreach and Summer Reading.

LFWC is also recognized as a cultural non-profit by the Oregon Cultural Trust and relies heavily on the generosity of donors. Gifts made to LFWC qualify for the Oregon Cultural tax credit matching program.