As part of its 5th annual “Share the Love of Reading” book drive, Union Savings Bank recently collected over 2,000 new and gently used children’s books from its customers and staff. The books are now available for the public to take and keep at 28 USB branches and offices through the newly created “USB Share the Love of Reading Libraries.”
Union Savings Bank established the Share the Love of Reading program and Book Drive in 2016 to further its commitment to education and contribute to reading programs for kids. The distribution of these books through the bank’s initiatives will help promote reading, encourage children’s literacy, and is a way for kids to explore their own love of reading.
“Children who have access to books and begin reading at an early age develop into confident readers, which in turn prepares them for success in school and in their futures,” said Cynthia C. Merkle, Union Savings Bank President and CEO. “Our Share the Love of Reading initiative has been steadily growing over the past five years and we are so proud to be able to put more books in the hands of children in our community to encourage the love of reading. This year we expanded the program to include USB Share the Love of Reading Libraries, so that more of our team members could share in the excitement and engage directly with our customers, many of whom bring their children into our branches.”
Merkle added, “One difference with our libraries is that the books do not need to be returned; the children are encouraged to take a book, read it and pass it on. In addition, as in years past, we also donate books to community partners throughout our market area including schools, day care centers, women’s shelters, and various non-profits, to reach even more children.”