Books in the Park is a free story time program, taking place during the Grants Pass School District #7 Free Summer Lunch program for children ages 0-18 at various parks in the community. The story times take place at two of these parks: Lawnridge Park on Mondays, and Rinehart All Sports Park on Thursdays, each from 11:45-12:30 p.m. through August 21st. Books in the Park is a collaborative effort between multiple organizations in the Grants Pass community, including SOESD Early Childhood Services, District 7, Josephine Community Libraries, and College Dreams. Early Childhood Services utilized money from an Early Literacy Grant through the Oregon Department of Education to offer give-away books for children ages 0-6, while District 7 provided funds for give-away books for older children. AmeriCorps National Service Volunteer Emma Buckley, serving with Early Childhood Services as an Early Literacy Mentor, acts as coordinator for the Books in the Park program, alongside various High School College Dreamer Volunteers at each site.

Pictured: AmeriCorps National Service Member, Emma Buckley, and College Dreamer Volunteer, GPHS Junior Ronnie Gonzalez