Keep Cape Reading provides free books
Jennifer Noonan, Lewes Public Library children’s librarian, and Susan Kehoe, Browesabout Books managing partner, are passionate about books and reading.
Unfortunately, state-of-emergency restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic have shut down both the library and the Rehoboth Beach bookstore.
That is not stopping Noonan and Kehoe. The pair partnered with the Cape Henlopen School District to create the Keep Cape Reading project, with the goal of providing free books to every student in the district who participates in the daily meal program that began when schools were closed in March.
It’s not a small feat because the district distributes more than 1,000 meals, Monday through Friday through a district-wide free lunch program using buses as well as drive-through distribution and walk-ins at H.O.B. Elementary School in Milton, where meals are prepared.
That’s where Noonan and Kehoe were set up May 1 for their first book distribution. “For many kids, the only access they have to books is through schools. Now that schools are closed, that has been cut off,” Noonan said. “As long as people make donations, we will continue to purchase books.”
Kehoe said she can’t imagine what young students think of the current situation. “We want to get as many books into as many children’s hands as possible to help them escape for a little while. We’ll do all we can to help them get to a happier place,” she said.
Starting this week, the duo will follow buses and set up at various stops in the district.
They hope to be able to give away books at least once a week.
The state-of-emergency restrictions have been hard on Lewes library, which closed March 14, and Browseabout, which closed March 17.
“This is a huge issue for all small businesses, but especially our book store, which relies on browsing and talking to staff. We are not an online bookstore, so we rely on communication with our customers,” Kehoe said.
The store has expanded its website for online ordering and free delivery. Employees man the phones from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday. “Even with this, it’s only a fraction of what it was before,” Kehoe said.
The duo said the project not only helps students, but also supports the bookstore and publishers they purchase books from.
In just one week, they were able to collect $9,000 to purchase books for students from kindergarten to 12th grade.
To make a donation or purchase books for the project, go to www.browseaboutbooks.com.
