You can change a child’s whole life with the gift of a book. This year the Tea Tree Gully Library received 62 children’s books donated by members of our community – a great show of kindness and goodwill. All of the books have been presented to the Tea Tree Gully Salvation Army and will be distributed to children in need within our community. For some children, this will be the first book they have ever owned.

The books our patrons donated at the base of the Tea Tree Gully Library’s Christmas tree

The ‘Give the Gift of Reading’ program encourages members of our community to purchase a new children’s book and donate it to the Library, to pass on to children from needy families. The initiative was first developed and implemented by the City of Playford Library in 2012 to address shortfalls in literacy skills within their community. This year, over 24 public libraries participated in South Australia.

Eleanor and Jenifer from the Tea Tree Gully Salvation Army receiving our books. They will be distributed to needy children

A room full of toys for kids this Christmas….the donated books are on the left

To recognise our appreciation of our patron’s generous donations, the Library asked participants to fill out a ‘wish tag’ to be in the draw to win a $100 ABC Shop gift voucher. This year our winner was awarded to William Ireton, age 13.

William the winner

A book is a gift that can open again, and again. The early years in a child’s life are an important time as they develop literacy skills that will be used over a lifetime.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to purchase a children’s book and come into the library to put it under the Christmas tree. We were overwhelmed by your kindness and are happy to see the community spirit is alive and strong in Tea Tree Gully. Merry Christmas and happy festivities to all.