Hawaii Literacy’s popular Bookmobile was selected as a recipient of the Weinberg Foundation’s “Christmas in July” project, which focuses on serving Hawai`i’s poor and needy and was also recently been awarded generous support from the Pizza Hut Literacy Fund, Kahuku Community Fund, and Aloha Petroleum. Last year, over 1,000 children and families along the Wai`anae and Ko`olauloa coasts visited the Bookmobile, also known as the “Classroom on Wheels,” which provides a free book borrowing service, on-site and take home literacy activities, and referrals for adults seeking to improve their literacy skills.
“The Bookmobile is very popular with the youth in the communities it serves”, said Suzanne Skjold, Hawaii Literacy’s Executive Director. “This support means that Hawaii Literacy will be able to offer free book lending and reading and educational activities each week at locations like the Nanakuli and Waianae Boys and Girls Clubs, Kauiokalani Public Housing Project, and Ha’ula Headstart. We are grateful for this support from major foundations like the Weinberg Foundation and Hawai’i Community Foundation as well as corporate partners like Aloha Petroleum, and so many others in the community.” Approximately 1 in 4 adults in some communities in rural O’ahu do not have adequate literacy skills, and many families do not have easy access to libraries or other educational services, so the Bookmobile travels to them. The Bookmobile is open to all, and parents are encouraged to visit with their children, and pick up books and ideas for helping their children develop a love of reading and success in school.