We all know that reading is good for one’s body and soul, but in the last week I’ve come across a few ways books and reading can help others. 

First Book is an organization that gives “children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books.” A worthy cause indeed and now there’s a way for you to help, beyond simply donating money (though you should do that too!). What Book Got You Hooked? is a contest First Book is running. Simply tell them what book started your love of reading and why, then pick which state you’d like to see win the prize of 50,000 new books for children in need!

File this next bit of info under “Extreme Reading.” Think you can read for 24 hours straight? Think you could get your friends and family to sponsor you in this quest? Then Great Expectations: A Reading Marathon is for you! The idea originated at RiverRun Bookstore in Portsmouth, NH and will take place in October. The King’s English in Salt Lake City, UT has signed on to do an event at their store as well. Money raised from pledges will be donated to a local non-profit of the stores’ choosing. If you don’t live near one of these great stores, encourage your local bookstore to hold a reading marathon as well! Stores interested should contact Michele Filgate at RiverRun.

Bravo to all the stores and organizations involved in these endeavors. They’re making reading an even more worthwhile pursuit!