| August 1999 Books of Their Own
UM sponsors book drive for local schoolchildren
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| A UM student tutors an elementary school student
through Montana Reads. |
In an effort to encourage lifelong reading habits, The University of Montana is
teaming up with the Missoulian and KECI-TV in a book drive aimed at providing books for
hundreds of Missoula children.
Children who are being tutored through UM's Montana Reads program will benefit from the
drive, according to Bridgit Sommer, the University's community relations and outreach
coordinator.
"By giving children their own books, we hope that it will encourage reading and
learning at home as well as in school," she said.
Students who receive books hopefully will be encouraged to share them with younger
siblings as well, Sommer said.
The public is asked to contribute new or used books. Books may be dropped off at
KECI-TV, 340 W. Main St.; the Missoulian, 500 S. Higgins Ave.; and in the University
Center. Donors also may bring books to Washington-Grizzly Stadium during the Sept. 11
Montana Grizzlies vs. Cal State Sacramento match.
Book donors will be eligible to win prizes, including Grizzly logo items.
The drive is being held in conjunction with National Literacy Day Sept. 8.
UM started the Montana Reads program in 1997 in response to President Clinton's America
Reads Challenge - that every schoolchild in America read well and independently by third
grade. More than 55 UM student volunteers and work-study students visit Missoula schools
on a regular basis to provide literacy tutoring to children in kindergarten through fifth
grade.
Dennison is one of 21 college or university presidents who serve on President Clinton's
America Reads steering committee.
For more information, call Sommer at (406) 243-2488.
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