Small Things Matter is committed to educating and empowering youth. Our literacy program encourages helps youth develop a love of reading from an early age which sets the foundation for academic success later on.
Small Things Matters’ Books for Bedtime Program provides brand new books to underserved children and their families in an effort to give the children a strong educational foundation by encouraging them to read a little every day as well as encouraging family time by having families reading together. Studies have shown that children that live with books in their home perform better in school, but unfortunately for those struggling to make ends meet books are a luxury that are often overlooked and even trips to the library can be a struggle for these families. Giving children access to free books allows them to build their own private library that they can revisit at their leisure and transforms them from being book readers to book owners. We believe that the pride that comes from choosing from new books allows these children and their families to have a positive experience together and that this encourages a lifelong love of reading and learning.
Distributing our books when the families gather for food distributions gives the children the chance to see their peers getting books at the same time. This encourages a sense of shared experience and helps build a community of readers. Having books in the home also makes it possible for parents to encourage their children to read, and by reading together builds stronger families.
Our program is currently implemented during our Teen Pantry distributions at the TPSS Coop on Tuesdays. Book bundles are also delivered to the families we serve in various apartment complexes. We also distribute brand new books at Title I schools.
If your school or organization would consider hosting a book drive for brand new books to support our Books for Bedtime Program please contact us at thesmallthingsmatter@yahoo.com or 202-669-8550.
Students can also earn SSL hours by hosting a book drive. https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=376899
We also share used books in the community at community events such as the African Griot Book Fair in Baltimore and in Little Free Libraries in Rockville and Silver Spring. We also give out used books at school-wide distributions including Piney Branch Elementary School and Takoma Park Elementary School. If you are interested in having us come to your school please contact us.