Help the Book Barn Share the Joy of Reading

Did you know that, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, 54% of U.S. adults read below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level, and 64% of fourth graders are not reading proficiently? Literacy is a challenge that affects every generation and has a profound impact on education, employment, health, community engagement, and quality of life.

Last October, during our Trunk or Treat event, Good Shepherd introduced the Book Barn to help encourage literacy and family engagement. Using our church van, we distributed free new books to children and their families while inviting them to enjoy a meal from the Holy COW. Families were encouraged to slow down, sit together, and read a book aloud, creating meaningful moments that inspired an even bigger vision.

Today, the Book Barn has grown into a permanent ministry. We now have a dedicated Book Barn display at Madison campus events and a MOOoooving Book Barn that travels with the Holy COW as it serves throughout the community. Together, they help place free books into the hands of children and families wherever we go.

Because of your generosity, we have an abundance of donated books ready to share with children and families in our community.

Now, we’re shifting our focus! Our goal is to collect 100 brand-new children’s books for a special book drive this fall as we prepare for Trunk or Treat in October. You can help us reach our goal by bringing new children’s books to our Madison Campus office.

A single book can spark a lifelong love of reading. With your help, the Book Barn can continue sharing stories, encouraging literacy, and extending Good Shepherd’s mission of Welcome, Forgive, and Serve throughout our community.