Believe it or not, 2001 is the average publication date of the book collection in the Beaumont Middle School Library. That means many of the books were printed before the students were born! Accordingly, Friends of Beaumont School (FoBS)—a volunteer service group of grandparents dedicated to enhancing school quality, from campus appearance to academic excellence—has as one of its prime objectives the modernization of the library’s book collection through the “Honor with Books” program.
Last year FoBS fundraising resulted in the purchase of more than 20 new books, and this year’s ambitious goal is to add an additional one hundred! To that end, FoBS is reaching out to the community for support, grateful for donations of any size, with every dollar going directly to the purchase of new books. A $25 donation will purchase a new hardback, high-interest book for students, and donors can opt to honor someone special with a custom, student-designed bookplate placed in each purchased book (hence the title, “Honor with Books” program). The donor and honoree receive hand-written acknowledgment, with the donor recognized as a “100 Club” member.
Teacher Librarian Julie McMillan, who splits her week between two middle schools— Beaumont and Robert Gray—is the designated selector and purchaser of books for the Honor with Books program. Selection is based on student interests, with purchases made locally to keep donated money in the community. Julie is buoyed by the success of the program thus far: “We are really excited to have so many new books in our collection. The kids are requesting them faster than we can stamp and ready them for circulation!”
Interested in becoming a 100 Club donor? For instructions, go to either the school website (www.pps.net/beaumont) and click on the “Donations to the Library” link or go to the FoBS website (www.friendsofbeaumontschool.org). Contributions can be made by credit card or by check made out to Beaumont Middle School (note “Honor with Books” in the memo) and mailed to the following address:
Beaumont Middle School Attn: Julie McMillan 4043 NE Fremont Street Portland, OR 97212
Don’t forget to let Julie know whom you’ve chosen as an honoree, mailing that information to the same address as checks.
On the way to the 100-new-books goal, Friends of Beaumont School hopes to attract new volunteers to assist with future Beaumont Middle School service projects. A Meet and Greet Volunteer Job Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13 in the Beaumont Middle School cafeteria, from 10:00-11:00 a.m., with Principal Harriet Vimegnon and Assistant Principal Tonya Arnold in attendance. Interested in participating? If possible, please RSVP via the FoBS website by November 10.