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 to celebrate the end of the school year with new books for kids. From 7 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, Dirigo Reads will be at all Governor’s Restaurant locations to hand out free books for ages 4-7 while supplies last. Governor’s Restaurant will also be donating 10% of proceeds from breakfast orders that morning to Dirigo Reads.
“I have seen first-hand the benefits of Dirigo Reads in our schools with my own child,” Jason Clay, owner of Governor’s Restaurant and Bakery, said. “I’ve seen the books, and I’ve seen the excitement when new books come into the classroom. We know that kids having access to their own books to keep and love will improve literacy rates. Dirigo Reads has been doing incredible work to get new books into the hands of first graders around the state, and Governor’s Restaurants are thrilled to partner with them once again to provide books to kids in all of our locations on Saturday, June 13.”
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. Most recently, Dirigo Reads has partnered with more than 100 schools serving about 3,800 students, and over six years has distributed about 103,000 books to first graders in participating schools, spread across all of Maine’s 16 counties.
“We are so excited to partner with Governor’s Restaurants to hand out more books to kids,” Dirigo Reads Chair and co-founder Dan Cashman said. “We partnered with Governor’s to hand out books to kids around the holidays a couple of years ago and it was a tremendous success. Now, with the end of the school year, we are joining forces once again not only to celebrate, but to encourage reading during the summer months as well. We are beyond thankful for the support from Governor’s Restaurant and we look forward to seeing lots of families on June 13.”
This year, Dirigo Reads has been named as the beneficiary of the TD Beach to Beacon 10K. While regular registration is full, there are charity bibs available for those looking to run and raise money for Dirigo Reads through the Dirigo Reads website.
Dirigo Reads is also encouraging schools to fill out the application to become a part of the program, offering books to first graders in more schools.
“We are looking to expand our program once again for the next school year,” Cashman said. “Now is the time for schools to sign up if they are not already part of Dirigo Reads. There is no cost to the school, the parents, or the teachers. The program is free for all students in participating schools. And it is events like the TD Beach To Beacon 10K and partnerships like this with Governor’s that allow Dirigo Reads to have an impact around the state.”
All six Governor’s Restaurants will be participating in the book giveaway for kids from 7 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 13 or until supplies last. 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 on June 13.
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.