Kids books to be collected for reading program

The Laguna Beach Unified School District is seeking gently used children’s books to give to young readers during its fourth annual Bee A Luv Book Drive.

The district’s School Readiness Program, in conjunction with the Children & Families Commission of Orange County and the Think Together Early Literacy Program, will help preschool children discover the world of reading by collecting books from Feb. 1 through 14, according to a district news release.

Developing a higher aptitude for learning, fostering an ability to concentrate, practicing basic speech skills and mastery of language are just a few of the benefits of reading.

“Children who are read to at home have a higher success rate in school,” early readiness program facilitator Julie Olsen said in the release. “A child who is read to daily by a family member is more likely to recognize all the letters of the alphabet, count to 20, write their own name and to read.”

Last year Olsen distributed 1,264 books.

Every book collected will be cleaned, repaired and distributed to Orange County families. Laguna Beach Unified is providing the cleaning supplies and Laguna High School students are volunteering to supply the elbow grease.

Three places will accept books: the school readiness office, in the student services building above the Laguna Beach High School pool, 670 Park Ave.; El Morro Elementary School, 8681 N. Coast Hwy.; and Top of the World Elementary School, 21601 Tree Top Lane.

For more information about the Bee A Luv Book Drive or other School Readiness programs, contact Olsen at jolsen@lbusd.org.

—Bryce Alderton

Twitter: @AldertonBryce