News Releases

January 24, 2013
For Immediate Release
For additional information: 
Jennifer Kirby
Project & Workflow Coordinator
Telephone:  360-992-2219
Email:  jkirby@clark.edu

Oh, the Books They Will Know!

Clark College hosts the fifth annual "Seuss-a-Palooza" - its biggest yet - to provide books for kindergarteners
in two Vancouver schools

VANCOUVER, Wash. – As Clark College marks the fifth anniversary of its “Seuss-a-Palooza” event, it has expanded its efforts to support children’s literacy through this annual book drive.

Clark College’s Service Learning and Volunteerism Program and the Clark College Bookstore are hoping that Seuss-a-Palooza supporters will purchase 300 copies of three specific Dr. Seuss titles—the largest number yet to be donated through the book drive. The titles are Green Eggs and Ham, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, and a Spanish-English bilingual edition of The Cat in the Hat. The books will be given to kindergarteners at Vancouver’s Harney and King Elementary Schools to celebrate Read Across America Day on March 2.

Copies of the selected Dr. Seuss books will be available for purchase and donation Feb. 11-22 for $6.85 each (plus tax). Each book will have a nameplate for the donor's name.

This year, the Clark College Bookstore has made it even more convenient to participate in this event. Not only will donors be able to purchase books at the Bookstore, but they can also purchase books online via the Bookstore’s website at www.clarkbookstore.com.  Bookstore Buyer Marti Earhart explained that last year she heard from community members who wanted to participate in the book drive but were unable to visit the college in person. “This year we’ve set up our website to accommodate online donations,” she said. “By simply going to clarkbookstore.com, Dr. Seuss books can be donated in just a few clicks. There’s no easier way to promote literacy to young children in our area!” 

Research has shown that early exposure to books boosts children’s reading and language skills. Sadly, many low-income parents must view books as luxury items. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly two-thirds of low-income American households do not own any age-appropriate books for their children. Earhart said, “Reading is so important for children, and these may be the first books some children have ever owned.”

The Clark College Bookstore is located in Gaiser Hall on the northern end of Clark’s main campus. Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps. Information about the bookstore is available at www.clarkbookstore.com. For additional information, contact Marti Earhart at the Clark College Bookstore at 360-992-2261.

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