Scholastic provides gifts of free books to all Williams Elementary students

Press release from Alachua County Public Schools

As part of Scholastic Book Clubs’ United States of Readers program, every student at Williams Elementary School received two free books in November. 

Following a donation of $1.5 million from author James Patterson, Scholastic launched the United States of Readers program, which is designed to address literacy inequity. These efforts will help bring books to 32,000 students, grades K-8, and 1,500 classrooms nationwide.  

Williams was chosen as one of the recipients. Each student receives a catalogue of available books and gets to choose any two they would like. 

Assistant Principal Jenni Roberson was overwhelmed by the generosity of Patterson and Scholastic.

“I’m so grateful for this opportunity,” Roberson said. “To put great books into the hands of our kids, and books they can keep forever, you can’t put a price tag on that. It’s awesome.”

Following the first shipment of books in November, Williams will continue to receive books from Scholastic several more times throughout the year.