ShineOnCass Foundation invites the community to join Cassidy’s Birthday Book Drive to help shine a light on childhood literacy and inspire reading.
The foundation, named and created in memory of Cassidy Charette, will collect children’s books during the month of August to help fill the shelves of local Little Free Libraries. Volunteers will deliver donated books on what would be Cassidy’s 27th birthday on Aug. 31.
A Little Free Library is a “take a book, share a book” free book exchange in communities nationally and internationally. Thousands of Little Free Libraries, owned and supported by volunteer stewards, are located in communities in more than 120 countries.
More than a dozen Little Free Libraries are located in central Maine, including a ShineOnCass Lending Library for children at the Alfond Youth and Community Center in Waterville, according to a news release from Monica Charette, Cassidy’s mother and executive director of the foundation.
“Our mission is to make books accessible for kids, expand their knowledge, and inspire future readers,” said Charette. Cassidy, a 17-year-old Oakland resident who died in a hayride accident in 2014, was an avid reader, youth mentor, and a lifelong community volunteer. “We believe expanding literacy access to local families is a meaningful way to celebrate the day Cassidy was born, by giving back and sharing her love for reading with kids.”
New and gently used books for children and young adults can be donated all month at Camden National Bank at 51 Main St. in Oakland, or at 258 Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville. Books will be distributed to Little Free Libraries on Aug. 31.
For more information about Cassidy’s Birthday Book Drive, the ShineOnCass Foundation or a list of local Little Free Library locations visit shineoncass.org.
We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is found on our FAQs. You can modify your screen name here.
Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve.
Join the Conversation
Please sign into your CentralMaine.com account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.