In our 13th year!

Elementary school children throughout the valley each week eagerly await the arrival of volunteers from Coachella Valley BookPALS (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools) who share the joy of books by reading aloud to them. 

The 50 volunteers--who are actors, retired teachers and others--introduce the wonderful world of reading and literacy to 2,246 children weekly by reading engaging picture books to the classics of children's literature.

The program started in the Coachella Valley in 2007, and in January 2010, was adopted by Palm Springs Women in Film & Television as one of its projects. Dr. Carreon Academy in Indio and Cathedral City Elementary were the first schools to join, and there are now 20 schools throughout the Valley. Volunteers have also read at Martha's Village, and in the summer, appear at the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert and the Family YMCA of the Desert. 

BookPALS' Volunteer Readers spark the imagination and curiosity of youngsters across the Coachella Valley. Please become a Reader or make a donation below. Your participation is vital.  

To learn more about Coachella Valley BookPALS and how you can get involved, please email Tere Britton or call her at 760-898-4052.