Just for Books

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      “There is something magical about watching a child light up when you give them a book they can keep as their own.” Those words sum up the feelings Jeni Stamas has for the mission she is on to help connect children in need with books that can open up their lives to new possibilities.

      Jeni is a mother of two teens in the Forest Hills School District who has been working with Maryann Lane, head of children’s books for the Friends of the Cascade Library, for the past seven years to collect and deliver high quality books to children in the immediate community and beyond.

      Hers is a story of passion for libraries, books, children and the human community she is part of. She agreed to tell us about her vision, her operations and her partnership with the Friends in the following interview.

Friends: Why do you feel so strongly about getting books into the hands of children?

Jeni: The why is easy: We have a need. Approximately 1 in 5 of children live in poverty in Michigan, and this economic hardship is directly linked to lower academic achievement. Studies show a direct correlation between a child's family income and their reading proficiency, with economically disadvantaged students consistently scoring lower on standardized tests. We aren't just giving them books; we’re giving them a chance to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future.

Friends: So, once you realized there was such a strong need, how did you get started sharing books with children?

Jeni: When I first heard that there were extra books out there that needed to get into the hands of children, I thought, "I can help!" I am married to an educator (Cary), have a huge love of our local library, and feel that reading is truly fundamental to the overall health and growth of our budding readers and developing students.

     As such, with my husband, my background working in schools (Kent ISD and FHPS) and at Just Between Friends (JBF)—a local mom/kid pop up consignment event—I had connections to people in our community who are doing the heavy lifting of working directly alongside of our local children. JBF's flagship charity partner is In the Image, whom I also had the privilege of working for a few years ago, which gave me tremendous insight on what to do with books. I simply overheard needs and wants for books from being in so many areas and knew I could get them from KDL and the Friends to these organizations. From there, it's grown. 

Friends: How many books donated by the Friends have you been able to distribute to children?

Jeni: Maryann Lane and the team she volunteers with are amazing. They are wonderful at delivering books to me that are high quality and coveted. We meet about five times per year, and they share 8-10 paper sacks full each time. Each sack has about 30 books...and we've been doing this for at least 6-7 years. So that equates to about 9-10,000 books!

Friends: Once you get the books from the Friends, how do you get them to the children?

Jeni: I drive them to whomever needs them. Sometimes, I sort in my garage to get younger reader books to Head Start, Early On, Bright Beginnings, Family Assistance and more...and the advanced reader books go to schools and charity partners. 

Friends: That’s a lot of books. Where do most of them wind up?

Jeni: They go in a myriad of directions. Some go to In the Image, which gives items for free to those in need. Others go to Family Assistance, a similar program. Books have gone to local neighbors posting that they need them for new teachers and programs where they volunteer and to newly made neighborhood “free little libraries.” Other books have gone to the ISD to be disbursed in their programs that support young children in Kent County. Many go to a retired reading specialist who lives in the far north of Kent County. Grand Rapids is blessed with many community partners - our fellow Michiganders in the north are not as supported as we are. So, it is a joy to get books as far and wide as we can. From the neighborhoods just surrounding the library to many, many miles away.

Friends: Obviously, getting books to children is a big part of what you do. Are there other causes you support?

Jeni: My partnership with Maryann, the Friends of the Library and KDL is just a part of me. I feel very strongly about supporting children. I generally keep all the rest of my support way under the radar screen. So, I'll just say it's my life's calling to help families in any way I can. I take your books and move them on. But I also work to support organizations in the trenches doing the work to come alongside economically disadvantaged families.

Friends: It might be difficult to pick just one thing, but what brings you the most satisfaction?

Jeni: While I love to bring books far and wide, it's answering the call to the quick posts in our community where there is a need (generally the Forest Hills Neighbors page on Facebook) that feels the best. It feels so impactful on a micro level. I love to see my little neighborhood kiddos light up when they see me unloading the bags and their joy when I can give them a book "to KEEP!" There is just something magical about it.

Friends: Do you have any final thoughts you want to share?

Jeni: I love kids. I want to help. I hate waste. I love repurposing. On the whole, parents want to do what's best for their kids, but many don't have access to some of the simple things that can make a difference. Books allow children to dream and hope and wish and grow. I can help get books into the hands of those parents and children. I can't think of a better thing to do with my life than to inspire a child.

     Thanks for the chance to share what happens "after the cover is closed" on a book at the library. There are still many miles for those books to walk after they leave the library. Could we only hope to see into the future where Elephant and Piggie, Katy Duck, Matilda Wormwood, and Charlotte and her crew are walking hand-in-hand to the research lab, construction site, or beyond with the person that little reader grew up to be?

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