OES Book Blast Helps Kids Build Home Libraries

On March 31, Olney Elementary School started its first Book Blast through the company Books Are Fun. The Book Blast is a two-week literacy event designed to encourage reading in children through fundraising for books.

“The goal of Book Blast is for every child at OES to get to take a hardback book home to build their at home library,” Halli Mankins, principal, said. “Based on funds that some students do raise, they could get up to 10 books to take home! So far, OES has raised over $14,000 towards books!” The program works by sending donation links to friends and family who fund books for students. Regardless of participation in the Book Blast, every child will be sent home with a book at the end of the two-week period.

“All students were sent home with a treasure map,” Mankins said. “The parents just scan the QR code and are able to sign up their student. The students get to receive a blanket and giant crayon just by sending out 10 communications to family and friends. Again, every student will receive a book no matter what!”

Students are able to receive various prizes, like treasure chests, for earning donations and participating.

“Students are raising money, but all of the money raised goes directly to every student at OES to receive books,” Halli Mankins, principal, said. “The teachers also are able to receive a $100 shopping spree for classroom books and resources if at least 60% of the class participates.”

The idea to host a Book Blast was started through an internet search and it’s hosted at no cost to the school.

“Mrs. Cox had heard about Book Blast, so she reached out to me and asked if we wanted to meet with the company to learn more,” Mankins said. “We met with the company and we loved the idea that every student was going to get a book to take home!”