The Bookshelf of Madeira celebrates thirty-one years of being a Book Angel! 

By Chris Weber

For the owners of the Bookshelf, one of the most important things that we do every year is to provide local children with books. For some of these children, this is the first time they have ever owned a book. In the words of the owners, “Books can change lives!”

This year, we are celebrating thirty-one years of being Book Angels!

The store, along with its Book Angel donations from customers, gift wrap, and deliver books to children in several local schools. The Bookshelf partners identify five or six classrooms in different schools, from preschool through grade six. This year, the Bookshelf will be donating books to the Head Start program at John P. Parker Elementary School, the kindergarten class at Evendale Elementary, and first and fifth-grade students at Amity Elementary School in Deer Park. Participating teachers provide the staff with a list of students, including their interests and reading levels. This helps the staff match a book with each student. 

Bookshelf customers help support the program with their monetary donations, and the store also contributes to the cost of each book. Volunteers wrap the books, adding a candy cane to each package.

The best part of the program is the thank-you notes that the students mail to the store. One teacher takes a picture of each child holding their new book and sends them to the store where they are proudly displayed. 

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Dr. Suess.

Chris Weber is a partner of The Bookshelf, Madeira’s only small, independent bookstore, where every book is carefully selected to meet both contemporary literary trends and bestsellers.

The Bookshelf is open 10-5 Monday-Saturday and Sunday 1-5.