The Clackamas Bookshelf

The Clackamas Bookshelf provides free books to children in Clackamas County, with the understanding that widespread access to books offers positive, long-term benefits to our entire community. Our primary focus is on helping to close the literacy and learning gap experienced by children living in underserved communities. We are funded through grants, donations, and from the sale of donated books. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. University and foundation research clearly shows that children in low-income households have few, if any books to call their own. Without exposure to books, these children often start Kindergarten with limited early literacy skills, and generally do not catch up with their peers during the subsequent years. Proficiency in reading by the end of third grade is a crucial marker in a child’s educational development. Children who reach fourth grade without being able to read proficiently are more likely to drop out of high school, reducing their earning potential and chances for success.(KIDS COUNT Special Report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation) In Clackamas County, 25% of 3rd grade students did not meet state standards in reading