Capstone Press Donates Books to Brooklyn Center School

In celebration of "I Love To Read" month, publisher Capstone Press has donated more than $21,000 in books to Northport Elementary School in Brooklyn Center. John Martin, president of Capstone Press, presented the gift of books to the school on Feb. 20. 

"Celebrating literacy in our communities is what 'I Love to Read' month is all about," said Martin. "We hope by providing children with access to books, both at school and at home, that we will encourage reading as a rewarding, lifelong pastime."

Each of the 520 students at Northport received a book to take home, and each of the school's 34 teachers received a $250 gift certificate to select books for their classrooms. In addition, Capstone has donated its entire spring 2004 collection of books - totaling 216 books valued at more than $4,400 - to the school's library.

"Capstone's generous donation of books is especially needed this year because of the many budget cuts we've had to work around," said Lori Wolfe, literacy leader at Northport Elementary School. "Sending a book home with each of our 520 students is perhaps the most precious gift Capstone could give them. Many of these kids do not even own a book at home to read, so this gift will encourage each of them to continue reading once the school day ends."

The relationship between Capstone Press and Northport Elementary School began in spring 2000, when employees started volunteering as reading tutors in the school's classrooms. In addition to volunteer involvement, Capstone donates $7,500 worth of Capstone books each year to the school's library.

Capstone Press is part of the Coughlan Companies, based in Mankato.

top