May 2009

GOODWILL OPENS FIRST LIBRARY AT ITS ASTORIA CAMPUS

Goodwill and Books for Kids Foundation partnership Makes Project Possible

Astoria, NY:  Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey inaugurated its first library at the agency’s Astoria headquarters on May 4. Goodwill partnered with the Books for Kids Foundation to provide this much needed service for Two Coves children and families.

The new library opened to the community after a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony with local officials. “I read to my daughters every night,” noted William J. Forrester, Goodwill’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, during his welcoming remarks. “A book is a friend one can see again and again.”

U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and New York City Council Member Peter Vallone, Jr. spoke on the importance of literacy and of libraries. “This is a beautiful match between two worthy organizations, commented Ms. Maloney, who put in contact both nonprofits. “Books for Kids provides books and Goodwill serves a population of children who need those books.”

The Books for Kids Library at Goodwill is the 56th BFK Library created since its founding in 1986. It will serve more than 750 children annually, 80% of whom live below the poverty line. “Books for Kids is thrilled to join Goodwill to make sure that all children have access to new books,” said Anne Marie Principe, CEO and executive director of the Books for Kids Foundation. “This new Library is a fun, safe, and convenient place for children who might not otherwise be able to visit a library“.

The Books for Kids Foundation (BFK) is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to promote literacy among all children with a special emphasis on low-income and at-risk preschool-aged children. Books for Kids creates libraries, donates books, and partners with literacy programs to develop the critical early foundation and skills which young children need to be successful in life. Visit www.booksforkids.org.