Dirigo Reads, a program that aims to put a book in the hands of every Maine first grader each month during the school year, is partnering with Governor’s Restaurant and Bakery for Read a New Book Month. To celebrate the month, Dirigo Reads will be at all Governor’s Restaurant locations on Saturday, December 14 from 8 a.m. to noon to hand out free books for ages 4-7 while supplies last. Governor’s Restaurant will also be donating 10 percent of proceeds from breakfast orders that morning to Dirigo Reads.
“My own kiddo is now in second grade, and last year had the benefits of Dirigo Reads in school,” said Jason Clay, owner of Governor’s Restaurant and Bakery. “I’ve seen the books, and I’ve seen the excitement in my own child at getting new books. The studies behind kids learning to love reading through their own books at home are clear. Governor’s Restaurant is thrilled to be a part of this program and excited to put more books in the hands of kids, especially around the holiday season.”
Dirigo Reads’ mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of children in Maine through literacy and share a little optimism along the way. This is accomplished by giving first graders in participating schools a brand new book to keep during every month of the school year. Last year, Dirigo Reads distributed more than 33,000 books to the more than 100 schools involved in the program. Over four school years, Dirigo Reads has distributed about 88,000 books to first-graders in participating schools.
“We are so excited to partner with Governor’s Restaurants to hand out more books to kids,” said Cashman. “This will be the first time our program has gone beyond the walls of the participating schools, which is exciting for us. We have a big supply of age-appropriate books and we encourage people to come to Governor’s on the 14th to grab a book for their child, and have a great breakfast which will also benefit this program.”
Dirigo Reads founding Dirigo Star partner is Machias Savings Bank.
“This program relies on strong partnerships with businesses,” said Cashman. “Growing up in Old Town, I basically grew up in Governor’s Restaurant. To be able to partner with such a well-loved and well-respected Maine business for this program makes me thrilled for so many personal reasons, and our entire board is sharing in that excitement.”
All six Governor’s Restaurants will be participating in the book giveaway for kids. No purchase is necessary, although organizers ask that the books are reserved for kids in the age ranges of 4-7. One book per family, unless multiple children are present. All six restaurants are also participating in the donation to Dirigo Reads through breakfast purchases.
Governor’s Restaurants are located in Old Town, Bangor, Ellsworth, Waterville, Lewiston and Presque Isle.
Schools and businesses interested in being a part of Dirigo Reads should visit www.DirigoReads.org and click on “Contact,” where a form is available to submit all necessary information. More details about Dirigo Reads participating schools, sponsors and partners can also be found on the website.
