Bookworm Registry was founded by Lynn Desrochers and Kristin Longobardi to solve a very real problem that we faced at our own school. As our children, 6 boys between us, grew to school age, we found ourselves amidst volunteer positions for PTO fundraisers, organizing school equipment drives and selling raffle tickets to help fill the growing gaps left from shrinking budgets.
While sitting in a meeting to come up with ways to fill the shelves of our library, we found a problem with every option available. How do we get the specific books we need without having to rally a community to visit a particular bookstore all on the same night? If we put out a list, how do we avoid duplicate purchases? There is always the direct cash drive, but that doesn't give ownership to the donator and many people like to know exactly what their money buys. On and on... Wouldn't all this be easier if we could just register for what we needed?
After calling several major web-sites and booksellers with our idea to see if they would be willing to set it up for us, we got nowhere. But the concept was so simple and would answer all of our problems that we just couldn't let it go. As a result, Bookworm Registry was born!
Much like a bridal or baby registry, the school can generate a list of items they need, and instead of asking parents and neighbors to gamble on raffle tickets or buy gift items and food stuffs, our communities can make direct, tax deductable donations by purchasing an item from this Wish List, and the school receives the entire benefit from the purchase.
What better way for people to give then to donate directly towards a child's increased potential for learning!
Bookworm Registry offers an opportunity for schools and communities to connect with their potential benefactors and provides a quick and simple way for folks to make a contribution, and know exactly what their money is being used for. We are extremely proud to be fostering the building of bigger and better libraries and classrooms everywhere, for your children and ours!
