The Bon Temps Books Foundation

Welcome to The Bon Temps Books Foundation, where we’re determined to turn this reality around. Yet, to ignite this change, we must first confront a harsh truth.

For countless children in low-income schools, their early educational landscape is starkly deficient in a fundamental resource necessary for their growth: books. Research emphasizes that a minimum of 100 books in a child’s home is instrumental in fostering a love for reading and nurturing literacy skills. Yet, a distressing number of children reside in ‘book deserts,’ areas where homes and neighborhoods are virtually bereft of books. Not only are their homes void of reading material but that of their family, friends, and neighbors. This scarcity, combined with their critically endangered access to libraries and school resources, poses a severe limitation on their access to this indispensable learning tool.

Reading is not just about enjoying a good story; it is a lifelong journey of learning and discovery. It fuels imaginations, sharpens critical thinking skills, and fosters empathy. It opens windows to diverse cultures and perspectives, enriching understandings and expanding worldviews. The remarkable influence of reading isn’t confined to these personal benefits. Above all, it underpins academic achievement. Studies consistently reveal that regular reading significantly bolsters children’s academic performance, enhancing their likelihood of success in school and increasing their chances of advancing to college and beyond. By equipping children with access to books, we unlock the boundless potential within them, enabling them to make a positive, enduring impact on our world.

This situation is further compounded by the ongoing cuts to education and library funding, widening the chasm of disadvantage these young learners face. In a world where literacy is the stepping-stone to opportunities, this deprivation doesn’t just limit their academic progress - it stunts their potential, hinders their dreams, and limits their futures. The problem of book poverty is getting worse, not better.

But together, we can rewrite this narrative. We can transform these book deserts into flourishing gardens of knowledge and curiosity. We want to create a culture of reading in these communities, where children are encouraged to explore books and learn new things. The choices we make today about giving children access to books can profoundly impact their future.

Here’s how we do it:

Each month, we provide a book to every child in our program. But these aren’t just books—they’re tools for discovery, adventure, learning, and growth.

Our support goes beyond merely providing books. We equip teachers with comprehensive lesson plans for each book and give parents discussion questions and activities. We’re not just distributing books; we’re cultivating an ecosystem of learning, engagement, and love for reading.

Because Bon Temps Books goes beyond words into action, every subscription box mailed, every book sent from our Page Turner course, and every Book Nook recommendation results in a book donated to a child in need. Every time you make a purchase from Bon Temps Books, you also buy a book for a child to develop their own home library.

Your donation to the Bon Temps Books Foundation is an investment in our children’s futures. Here’s how your support can make a difference:

• $12 buys a new picture book for a child, sparking their imagination and fostering a love for reading.

• $108 sponsors a child’s literacy for an entire school year, fueling their educational journey.

• $360 supplies a kindergarten class with picture books for a month, spreading the joy of reading across a classroom.

• $3,240 funds a year’s worth of books for one class, creating a ripple effect of literacy, empowerment, and potential.

• $42,120 can provide a book to every child in an entire school. This remarkable act doesn’t just fill shelves; it resonates throughout the community as a whole, highlighting the importance of literacy and sparking a meaningful change.
  

In an era of challenging times and dwindling resources, your contribution sends a strong message: that you believe in the infinite potential of every child, you’re committed to combating book poverty, and you’ll do what it takes to provide the opportunities every child deserves.

Your tax-deductible donation isn’t just a gift—it’s a declaration of faith in the power of education and a commitment to a brighter future for our children.

Join us in this noble cause. Let’s ensure no child is denied the joy of reading, and that no child’s potential is limited by their circumstances. Let’s create an abundance of books where there were none and watch as our children bloom.

Donate now and help us write a new chapter in the lives of children in need, one book at a time.

Will you join us in our mission to give all children the gift of reading?