Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia Launches First Teacher Libraries Program

The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia (CRFMC) is proud to announce the launch of its First Teacher Libraries program, designed to support new elementary teachers across Benton and Franklin Counties.

Recognizing the financial challenges educators face in building their classrooms, CRFMC is equipping first-year, certificated teachers in grades Kindergarten through 3rd grade with a 75-book starter library. These collections, curated with a range of engaging titles, provide the foundation for in-room readings, story times, and diverse literary experiences that inspire a lifelong love of reading in students. Each library is designed to grow with the teacher, moving with them from class to class and grade to grade.

“A new teacher's first year is full of expenses, and books are often the thing they pay for out of their own pocket. We want them to walk into their classroom with a library already on the shelf ,” said Leanne Luehrs-Purcell, Executive Director of CRFMC. “When we invest in teachers, we invest in every child who walks through their door across our region.”

The Children's Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia is grateful to the Three Rivers Community Foundation Health and Wellness Fund, whose support made this year's First Teacher Libraries possible. Their investment recognizes literacy as a cornerstone of lifelong health and wellbeing.  In addition, we thank local donors for their generosity towards this program.
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Eligible teachers can apply now at www.read20minutes.com.