Children's Literacy Foundation gives 300 books to Laconia students

LACONIA — The Children’s Literacy Foundation gave out 330 books during an author talk and giveaway event at Pleasant Street School on Monday.

Children’s book author Carrie Kruck visited Pleasant Street School Monday morning with CLiF, to read a book to students in grades one through five, and talk to them about how she became an author.

Through CLiF, Kruck provided dozens of picture and chapter books for children to choose from to take home for free.

“Our goal is to get kids excited about books," Kruck said. "At CLiF, we believe that there’s a book for everyone. I’m amazed with the books CLiF is able to get."

CLiF, based in Waterbury, Vermont, hosts events in Vermont and New Hampshire at libraries and schools, with a goal to give away books to elementary school children and teach them about the importance of reading. The Laconia School District recently received a grant from CliF to host the free events.

Kruck has been working with CLIF since October 2024. Kruck is the author of the Disney Hyperion children’s book "Iggy Who Breathes Fire." On Monday morning, Kruck read her book to the students, and walked them through her creative process.

Kruck believes reading, especially in a library or school setting, should feel like a “safe place” for children, and hopes to convey that to the students.

“When a library does it right, it should feel like one of those first comfortable and safe places for a kid,” Kruck said. “Libraries should be a safe place for all of us.”

To learn more about CLiF, visit clifonline.org.