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.

How You Can Help

You can support the Book Barn in several ways:

Donate new or gently used children’s books, from early childhood through young adult. Books can be dropped off in the Book Barn donation bins at either campus.
Volunteer at Book Barn events by helping with setup, welcoming families, distributing books, or reading aloud with children.

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.