Several Area Organizations Receive Books as Part of The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s Early Literacy Grant Program

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) has distributed 34,639 children’s books to 73 organizations through its Early Literacy Grant Program.

This year, the distribution increased by 15,000 books, aiming to enhance school readiness for children from birth to age eight.

The book distribution was a collaborative effort with Capstone and ABDO, Mankato based children’s book publishers.  Since 2002, Capstone has partnered with SMIF to launch the BookStart program, distributing thousands of books.  In early 2018, the Early Literacy Grant was established to expand this initiative.

The following organizations in our area to be awarded Early Literacy Grants were Blue Earth Area Schools, Fairmont Elementary School, Human Services of Faribault and Martin Counties, Muir Library in Winnebago and the Wells Public Library.

The books, including bilingual and Early Childhood appropriate titles, will be integrated into programs and events, allowing children to take home and keep them.