Books for treats backs literacy

The P.E.I. Literacy Alliance is giving away new and gently used books to children under 12 instead of treats on Halloween, Friday, Oct. 31, from 1 to 3 p.m.

The alliance is located on the main floor of the Sherwood Business Centre at 161 St. Peter’s Rd.

“Books for Treats is a special part of our Free Books for Kids Program because we get to welcome families into our space,” says Amanda Beazley, program coordinator at the alliance.

She said it’s a great opportunity to engage with the community and foster a culture of literacy.

“We want families to know that as few as 20 books in their home has a positive impact on their child’s literacy skills.”

Books for Treats has caught on in many communities since Rebecca Morgan of San Jose, California, began offering books to the ghouls and goblins at her home in 1995. She bought gently used children’s book for about what she was spending on candy.

The average person spends nearly $15 on Halloween candy. She bought dozens of books for toddlers to sixth graders, roughly sorted them by grade level and let her trick-or-treaters choose from among the books.

“Kids run to the curb waving their hard-cover treat, saying, ‘How cool — I got a book’. I’d never had a kid raising a candy bar, running to the sidewalk yelling about it. I knew I was on to something,” said Morgan.

Anyone interested in giving out books instead of treats should visit www.BooksForTreats.org for free downloadable step-by-step kits. For more information about Books for Treats at the P.E.I. Literacy Alliance, visit www.peiliteracy.ca or call 902-368-3620.