Stevens Point Schools Seek Donations for 1,800 Student Book Giveaway

Books from the Heart initiative aims to provide every K-2 student with a new book on Valentine's Day

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

The Books from the Heart program in Stevens Point, Wisconsin is collecting donations by February 10th to distribute 1,800 new books to kindergarten, first, and second grade students across the Stevens Point Area Public School District and local parochial schools on Valentine's Day. The initiative is led by local educators including Sally Crane, a reading specialist at McDill Elementary School, with the goal of encouraging a love of reading and ensuring all young students have access to quality books at home.

Why it matters

Access to books and reading materials is crucial for early childhood literacy development. This community-driven effort aims to promote reading engagement and provide underprivileged students with books they may not otherwise have at home, helping to address educational inequities.

The details

The Books from the Heart program has been running for 28 years in Stevens Point. This year, the goal is to distribute 1,800 new books to every kindergarten, first, and second grade student in the Stevens Point Area Public School District and local parochial schools. Community members and local businesses are encouraged to donate books or funds by February 10th to support the initiative.

  • The donation deadline is February 10, 2026.
  • The book distribution will take place on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2026.

The players

Books from the Heart

A community initiative in Stevens Point, Wisconsin that aims to provide new books to local elementary school students.

Sally Crane

A reading specialist at McDill Elementary School who is leading the Books from the Heart program.

Stevens Point Area Public School District

The public school district in Stevens Point, Wisconsin that will receive the book donations for its kindergarten, first, and second grade students.

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What they’re saying

“The goal is to distribute 1,800 books to students in the Stevens Point Area Public School District and local parochial schools.”

— Community Announcement (stevenspointjournal.com)

What’s next

The Books from the Heart program will distribute the donated books to students on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2026.

The takeaway

This community-driven book donation initiative aims to promote early childhood literacy and ensure all young students in Stevens Point have access to quality reading materials, addressing educational inequities and fostering a love of reading.