About Our Volunteers
Volunteer's are the lifesblood of the My Own Book Program. During the 2006-2007 school year we had over 30 volunteers who organized more than 130 bookstore visits in all 5 boroughs for over 3,000 kids from 30 inner-city schools! Volunteers coordinate with the teachers, school administrators and designated Barnes & Noble stores to make all arrangements of the initial store visit.

In addition our volunteers organize follow-up visits to each participating classroom—a key component to the program. Volunteers spend time visiting students allowing the children to share their experiences with the books that they have selected. Typically, the teacher creates lesson plans to give the students an opportunity to show off their new books with book reports, readings and special presentations. The children explore the importance of owning their books as a continuing adventure in their love of learning and reading.

Our volunteers all say that the follow-up visit, usually accompanied by "Thank You" notes written by the kids, is when the connection between My Own Book with the children’s fondness for reading comes alive by their animated description of their books.

Volunteer Today!
We are always looking for more vlonteers to join us in expanding the My Own Book Program. If you are interested in volunteering, or if you have questions about our volunteer activities, we would be glad hearing from you. Please feel free to contact Burt Freeman by phone at (212) 249-3765 or by e-mail at bfre1926@rcn.com. Thank you!