Every kid loves a good birthday celebration, and at Trinity Lutheran School, special care is given to recognize students on their birthdays. One tradition is student recognition at weekly chapel service, ending with a schoolwide serenade of “Happy Birthday”. Another, though, is a bit less conventional.
The Birthday Books program at Trinity is a small but tangible reminder to students that we are all capable of making a positive impact in our community. Here’s how it works: All Trinity students are welcome to donate a book to the TLS library in their names. Books are available for purchase in the Trinity bookstore (titles are pre-selected to meet the specific needs of the library each year). A donation ($4 for paperbacks; $8 for hardcover books)is requested. Moreover, students are encouraged to purchase the books with their own personal funds, so that they take full responsibility for their philanthropy.
A bookplate with the donor’s name and birthdate serves as a permanent reminder to all readers of the giver and gift.
Finally, the book donor is invited to be the very first student to check out the library’s newest edition.
Participation in the Birthday Books program is easy, and starts with a trip to the school store.
Happy giving! Happy reading! Happy birthday!
Maureen Crone is the marketing and development director at Trinity Lutheran School, mom of 2, and a big fan of Birthday Books.