Room to Read provides free books to Central California children

Lauren Jennings
Visalia Times-Delta
Jaymien Colon, Cottonwood Creek 6th grader, searches for a book to read from the school's library on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021.

Tulare County and children throughout Southern and Central California are receiving free books, thanks to Room to Read. 

Organizations partnering with Room to Read will help distribute books from the Peace and Equality Collection during after-school, family engagement, and early childhood programs.  

"Reading is power – it is the foundation to all learning and the means for children to discover more about themselves and the world – through the pages of books," said Room to Read CEO Dr. Geetha Murali. "Room to Read will create relevant and representative children’s books that will be widely available to children in California and across the U.S. so that they can immerse themselves in inspirational stories that develop foundational literacy skills and set them up for lifelong success."

The 10-book collection is distributed to over 40,000 children throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, including Fresno County, Kern County, Los Angeles County, and Tulare County.

The books were created for children ages 3 through 8 by "a diverse team of storytellers." 

This is the first title Room to Read is publishing in the United States, though the company has been around for over two decades. By 2025, Room to Read hopes to provide 500,000 U.S. children in high-need communities with books.  

"The organization hopes to provide all children with access to books that feature diverse storylines and mirror community identities while celebrating the talents of authors and illustrators from these same communities," a press release from Room to Read reads.  

The company started distribution in December 2021, providing 68,050 books to children in need. Tatcha, a skincare company with headquarters in California and Japan, backed the initiative. 

"What the Covid-19 pandemic laid bare was the deep inequity and urgent need to create meaningful, lasting change," said Vicky Tsai, Founder, and CEO of Tatcha. "We're thrilled to be able to join Room to Read as a foundational partner in their inaugural U.S. literacy initiative and are excited to work together to celebrate diversity, nurture the next generation, and ensure a more beautiful future for all of our children." 

Lauren Jennings covers education and news for the Visalia Times-Delta/Tulare Advance-Register. Follow her on Twitter @lolojennings. Get alerts and keep up on all things Tulare County for as little as $1 a month. Subscribe today.