Children
The Gift of Reading
Frequently asked questions
What is the nature of the program?
The Gift of Reading is a program aimed at encouraging young people to stay in school and preventing illiteracy in Quebec. We invite the public to buy, in November and December, a new book for a poor child aged 0-12.
Why give children books?
It is recognized that early contact with written language is a prime factor in doing well at school and time spent reading: the earlier a child is in contact with books, the better his relationship with reading will be, throughout his life. Liking to read helps children do better at school.
Why not accept second-hand books?
For a needy child, this book is often the first brand new book he has ever been given! Often receiving second-hand items, the child appreciates the value of a new book all the more, especially when this book was chosen specially for him by an unknown donor.
What tangible impact does this act have?
A gift – a book – a child
Through your act, you can convey the enjoyment and pleasure of reading to a child who may not be lucky enough to be in contact with books and reading.
Is it possible to obtain a list of participating collection sites?
The lists of participating bookstores, libraries and book fairs are available in their respective sections on the Web site.
What are cash donations used for?
All funds collected go toward program logistics, in particular the shipping of the books to the children.
How does one choose which book to give?
Make sure the book meets the following criteria: it is brand new; it is aimed at children aged 0-12; it is fun and conveys the joy of reading. Some ideas: comic books, picture books, hardcover or plasticized books, short novels, books on animals or insects, and puzzle or pop-up books. Booksellers and publishers can also advise you.
The following books are not suitable for the program: teen literature (aged 13 and over); books on controversial, sad, religious or sexual topics; activity or educational books; volume 2 or later in a series where you have to have read volume 1 to understand the plot.
Do you have to complete the postcard?
The postcard enables you to have news from the child. It is optional. But the child is very pleased to know who is giving him his book, and to be able to write to that person if he feels like it. It is important to mention that, in the interest of economy, mailing costs are not covered by the Foundation. These costs have to be paid by the donors or the child’s family. Also, the Foundation has no control over whether postcards are sent by the children.
What do you suggest writing on the dedication bookmark?
A brief word of encouragement is greatly appreciated by the children. Don’t forget the child will be receiving his book in May, and not at Christmas.
Is it true that donations made in a region return to that region?
Yes! All books collected in a region are distributed to children in that region in May.
How are underprivileged children targeted?
The Foundation targets the most underprivileged establishments in each region, in particular through deprivation indicators established by the Quebec Ministry of Education, Recreation and Sports, namely, the socio-economic indicator and the low-income cutoff (LICO). The groups of children receiving books are then selected in line with the availability of books by age group, in such a way as to ensure fair distribution. The books are always distributed to a group of children, a class for instance, to avoid stigmatizing the most underprivileged children in the group. See the list of establishments in your region.
When are the books distributed?
The books are distributed to the children during the first week of May.
Why distribute the books in May and not at Christmas?
The collection period runs primarily during the Holiday Season, when bookstores are very busy. This allows us to raise the awareness of a larger number of people to the cause while benefiting from the spirit of giving characteristic of Christmastime. At the end of the campaign, all the books are inspected, sorted, classified by age group and compiled by region. Thus the books are prepared for forwarding to the children at more than 500establishments. From February to April, our little team devote all their time to this, so that is why the books are distributed in the spring.
When are the results of the campaign announced?
The results are disseminated at the time of the distribution, in May.
In what context are the books handed out to the children?
In early May, the establishments giving out books are invited to organize special activities around the distribution so as to create a true reading festival.
When will we have news of the child?
You will probably receive the postcard after the distribution, during the summer. The Foundation has no control over whether the children mail the postcards.
Why use the word “poor” in the advertising campaign?
The message of the book collection campaign is aimed at potential donors, and it is important for it to be striking and to refer to the poverty of the children targeted by the program. We find poverty shocking, too. And the general public has to be reminded of this, to convince them to take action, to perform an act for a child who is not lucky enough to have a book at home. But this term is not used when the books are distributed to the children.