PALM COAST, Florida – The Kiwanis Club of Flagler Palm Coast continued one of its most cherished literacy traditions on July 9, bringing the joy of reading to local children through its annual “Library of My Own” Project. The program, which has been enriching the lives of young readers for two decades, provides children with the opportunity to build their own personal home libraries by giving them books they can keep forever.
This year, the program benefited 87 incoming third-grade students attending the Flagler Schools Summer Reading Camp, hosted at Wadsworth Elementary School. Thanks to the generosity of the Kiwanis Club, each student was able to select seven brand-new books to take home, encouraging continued reading throughout the summer and beyond.
To make the initiative possible, the Kiwanis Club of Flagler Palm Coast donated $2,700 to purchase hundreds of age-appropriate books. The investment reflects the club’s longstanding commitment to improving literacy and educational opportunities for children throughout Flagler County.
Twenty Years of Promoting Literacy
The Library of My Own Project was founded nearly 20 years ago by longtime Kiwanis member Richard Conkling, whose vision was to ensure that every child had the opportunity to own books of their very own.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the program, Dr. Maria Barbosa shared:
“We wanted to help young people to read and give them books to keep forever.”
That simple yet powerful mission continues to guide the project today. For many participating students, the books they receive can become the first books they have ever owned, creating lasting memories while encouraging a lifelong love of reading.
Research consistently shows that children who have books in their homes are more likely to develop stronger reading skills, improve academic performance, and cultivate a habit of lifelong learning. By allowing students to choose books that match their interests, the program makes reading both enjoyable and meaningful.
Helping Prevent Summer Learning Loss
The focus on incoming third-grade students is especially significant. Third grade is widely recognized as a pivotal stage in a child’s educational journey, marking the transition from learning to read to reading to learn.
Without regular reading practice during the summer months, many students experience a decline in reading skills, often referred to as the “summer slide.” The Library of My Own Project helps combat this challenge by providing children with engaging books that motivate them to continue reading while school is out.
Instead of returning to school having lost reading proficiency, students are better prepared to begin the new academic year with confidence and stronger literacy skills.
Building Home Libraries One Book at a Time
Unlike traditional library programs where books are borrowed and later returned, the Library of My Own Project allows every child to keep the books permanently, helping them build their own personal libraries at home.
This summer, each student selected seven books based on their own interests, giving them the freedom to explore new stories, discover favorite authors, and develop a deeper appreciation for reading. “All the book are pursues and selected by a Flagler School Staff member”
Owning books creates a sense of pride and responsibility. Many children will read their books repeatedly, share them with siblings and family members, and continue expanding their personal collections over the years.
For families with limited access to books, this initiative provides valuable educational resources that remain in the home long after the summer program has ended.
Kiwanis Volunteers Make the Difference
The success of the Library of My Own Project is made possible not only through financial support but also through the dedication of Kiwanis volunteers who generously give their time each year.
One of those volunteers was Polly Conkling, a retired educator and former teacher at Bunnell Elementary School and Wadsworth Elementary School. Alongside fellow Kiwanis members, she helped prepare the books by placing the official Kiwanis FPC stamp inside each one before distributing them to the students.
The event was truly a team effort. Numerous Kiwanis members participated by stamping hundreds of books, organizing the selection tables, welcoming students, and assisting children as they chose the books they would proudly take home. Their enthusiasm and encouragement helped make the experience memorable for every child.
The smiles on the students’ faces as they selected their books reflected the excitement of owning something that was truly theirs-a gift that will continue to educate and inspire long after summer ends.
Investing in the Future of Flagler County
The Kiwanis Club of Flagler Palm Coast has a long history of supporting educational initiatives that strengthen the community and create opportunities for local children. The Library of My Own Project is one of many youth-focused programs sponsored by the foundation , demonstrating its ongoing commitment to literacy, education, and child development.
By investing $2,700 in this year’s program, Kiwanis has once again shown that relatively small investments can have a lasting impact on the lives of children. Every book placed into a student’s hands represents an opportunity to improve reading skills, expand imagination, build confidence, and encourage academic success.
The club’s efforts align perfectly with the Kiwanis mission of “Serving the Children of the World,” making a meaningful difference one child, one book, and one family at a time.
A Lasting Legacy of Literacy
For nearly two decades, the Library of My Own Project has become much more than an annual book giveaway-it has become a cherished community tradition that continues to inspire generations of young readers.
Through the vision of Richard Conklin, the dedication of the unwavering support of the many Kiwanis Club of Flagler Palm Coast volunteers who contribute their time each year, the program continues to create opportunities for children to discover the joy of reading.
As 87 third-grade students left Wadsworth Elementary School carrying seven new books each, they also carried something even more valuable: the excitement of learning, the confidence that comes from owning their own books, and the beginning of a personal library that may inspire a lifetime of reading.
Many of the students presented Kiwanis members with heartfelt thank-you cards that they had personally designed and hand-painted as a gesture of gratitude for the books they received.
The Library of My Own Project is a powerful reminder that a single book can open a world of possibilities-and that a community working together can help shape brighter futures for its youngest readers.
By Dr. Maria Pinto Barbosa
News from Observer “just Click the link”
