Every Tuesday and Thursday, a bright purple bus pulls up to Clark County School District (CCSD) schools. This isn’t an ordinary bus. Inside are shelves of brand-new books waiting for students who may not have access to books at home.
Here’s the reality: only 42% of CCSD elementary students can read at grade level. Children who fall behind by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of school. One of the biggest barriers? They don’t have access to books.
The CCSD Book Bus is changing that. The Book Bus is a collaborative effort between CCSD’s Engagement Unit and the Public Education Foundation. Since its launch, more than 200,000 books have been placed in the hands of local students from ages 0-18. English and Spanish titles from every grade level help families build home libraries and ignite a love of reading.
But the truth is, none of this happens without volunteers. When the bus rolls up to an elementary school, students line up with excitement. They look to someone like you to guide them, help them pick out a story, and feel proud walking away with a book of their own. In one three-hour visit to a local elementary school, you can give a child more than just a book; you can give them a lifetime of book exploration, a memory to look back on with joy, and the chance to build literacy skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
The commitment may be small, but the impact is everlasting. The Book Bus needs volunteers every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, with visits across the community so you can support a school near you. You’ll help students select books, keep the bus organized, and support hard-working school staff in keeping students engaged and entertained. It’s simple, joyful, and it matters more than you can imagine.
If you can give a few hours, you can help close the literacy gap for thousands of kids in Clark County. Don’t underestimate how much a difference YOU can make. Our students need you! Contact the Public Education Foundation at volunteer@thepef.org to get started.
