Kids Need to Read (KNTR), a national non-profit, donated 500 new books to the Show Low Public Library, a gift valued at $5,612.
The books were donated on Saturday, September 7, 2019.
According to Gary Mlodzik, a board member of KNTR, the "Grow Your Library" program was created to "introduce a giving culture" to children who spend their time at libraries.
In addition to donated the 500 books, KNTR also provided the library with a collection of books for children and young adults that were written by Arizona authors.
In a statement, KNTR's executive director, Denise, Gary said, "The importance of reading extends far beyond the mechanics. Its greatest power is determined by how each person uses reading to shape their lives. Inspiring children to read at an early age allows that vital, lifelong process to begin."
"Putting a book in the hands of a child and allowing them to expand their horizons is magical," Mlodzik said. "Allowing that child to make a small effort in order to share that magic for future generations is a priceless lesson."
