Donation helps kids understand COVID-19
New library book donation promotes children’s health
Humboldt Library Foundation board member Peter LaVallee recently donated 15 copies of Tedi McVea’s new children’s book, “I Know About Germs,” to the Humboldt County Library system for circulation.
“I Know About Germs” is about a little boy who discusses the relationship between “bad” germs and “superhero” germs and explains how children can help the “superhero” germs beat the “bad” germs.
“I have read it to my grandchildren, twin 6-year-old boys and their 8-year-old sister many times,” LaVallee said. “I have noticed that it helps them to feel protected by their army of superheroes, but also helps them to feel motivated to take precautions, like washing their hands and practicing social distancing. It helps children understand what is going on with COVID, and is of real value to families with young children.”
McVea, a 2003 graduate of McKinleyville High School, wrote the book to help explain the COVID-19 crisis to her young son. LaVallee — former mayor of Eureka — met McVea during his time as director of the Youth Services Division of Redwood Community Action Agency.
McVea came forward voluntarily to the Youth Service Bureau as a homeless youth seeking services. She used the bureau’s support to stabilize her living condition in a transitional housing apartment while completing high school and an associate degree at College of the Redwoods. During that time, she also worked part time as a street outreach worker, helping other local homeless youth. McVea moved to San Antonio, Texas, in 2009 to complete an undergraduate and graduate social work degree, where she now practices as a licensed clinical social worker.
The Humboldt Library Foundation formed in 1996 to build financial support for the Humboldt County Library system, which includes the Eureka Main Library, 10 branches and a bookmobile that serves 14 rural communities. Since its inception, the Humboldt Library Foundation has provided over $1.4 million in grants to the library. Donations of any size are welcome.
For more information on the Humboldt Library Foundation and how to give, visit www. humboldtlibraryfoundation.org or call the Humboldt Library Foundation office at 707269-1991.
“I have read it to my grandchildren, twin 6-year-old boys and their 8-year-old sister many times . ... It helps children understand what is going on with COVID, and is of real value to families with young children.”
— Peter LaVallee, Humboldt Library Foundation board member