The local chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, on behalf of the fraternity and its Lambda Alpha Chapter Foundation, handed out one free book per student recently at Delmont Elementary School as part of its service project.  The members are assisting the Reading is Fundamental program, a national initiative working to put a book in the hand of every child in the effort to broaden their love for reading. 

Students at the school will get a free book each three times during the school year, the next distribution dates being in December and then in February 2010.  The program’s total value for the school is about $2,000. 

At the recent book giveaway, Delmont Elementary teacher Mary Mason (in photo, far left) oversaw book selections by students (in front of table, left to right) Kiara Brown, Precious Williams, Ashley Batiste, Quantrell Mack, Trevonne Thompson and Daya Thompson.

The idea originated with 2004 Omega Psi Phi coordinator Dr. Roger Newman.  “The students’ excitement during these distributions is so great because, for many, this is the first book they have owned personally,” said Principal Dawn Brewster.  “Over the years, as a part of the program, many students at this school started their own personal library based on this first book.”